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Choose your destination from the table. NAME OF SCHOOL SCHOOL ADDRESS SCHOOL TELEPHONE MAJOR SUBJECT AREA YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE 25 YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION 20 SCHOOL PRINCIPAL II. Educational History and Professional Development Activities - Back to TOP A. Education
B. Teaching Experience
C. Professional Association Memberships
D. Staff Development Leadership Activity and Training for Teachers
Personal Awards:
My Students' Awards:
III. Professional Biography - Back to TOP A. Factors Which Influenced Me to Become a Teacher As I think back, I am not quite sure exactly when I decided to become a teacher, but I can name some people who have encouraged me in my career choice. My best supporters were my parents, Lee and Betty Jones. Their unconditional love and continued faith are the top reason I am successful today. They let me know when they were hurt by my decisions and actions but NEVER gave up hope. They encouraged me when I needed it and cheered me when I did well. There was also one teacher in particular who kept believing in me. Mrs. Mary Alice Shultz was my high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics teacher. Her classes were tough and so was she. I wanted to defeat her. She kept me on track, while she smiled. I remember she made me feel special culminating my senior year with an award that she created and presented to me at my Senior Awards Night as the entire community watched. She said it was "for a student who tried harder and harder and never gave up." I was thrilled by this recognition, and although my parents deserved this award much more than I did, I gladly accepted and decided to try to be worthy of such recognition in the future. I continued on to college, stumbling at times, but always keeping in mind that I wanted to be deserving of the support I always found from those who loved me. I wanted to be a teacher like Mrs. Shultz, one who believed in kids when other people might not. My parents wouldn't have missed my graduation near my hometown in Ohio, at Bowling Green State University, and of course, they drove twelve hours to watch me receive my Masters Degree at Furman University in South Carolina. As for Mrs. Shultz, we still correspond, and I was proud to write and tell her that I've been selected as Northwood's Teacher of the Year. I believe the positive and continuous support that I have received has been the key to my success as a teacher. B. Contributions and Accomplishments in Education Although I have enjoyed the recognition I have received from my colleagues for my various accomplishments, I must say that my greatest contributions and accomplishments are those for which I have received the recognition of my students and their parents. As a teacher, I always think about what it was like when I was a student. I recall the decision making and how difficult it could be. I remember the positive things that gave me and those who loved me a sense of pride. I also remember the times when I caused disappointment and keep in mind that I eventually became a success because the significant people in my life forgave me and continued to love and support me. This is why I encourage my students to always do their best and to try again if they experience a setback. Therefore, I believe my greatest contributions center on my treatment of my students as capable and valuable, and I recognize my accomplishments in the words from my students and their parents. Some parents' letters I have saved and treasure include the following quotes: "Thank you for making Social Studies so enjoyable for James," "You are a terrific teacher," "Without you, Meredith's year would've been a disaster. We are truly grateful for your generous donation of time and effort," "I wanted to meet the teacher who could get my son interested in something -- anything!" "... truly dedicated and caring," "You were the reason Pat wanted to get up in the mornings," "It is plain to see that this is not just another class... your extra efforts have not gone unnoticed," "You did so much to help her endure the trials of being successful in school," "Thank you... especially for being such a positive influence on his seventh grade year," and "You have taught him much about Social Studies, but even more about learning and life." Former students of mine have also given me words that let me know that I am accomplishing my goals as a teacher. Some special notes I still have include these words: "Thank you for taking your personal time to help me have a successful year," "Thanks for helping me with some of my problems, most teachers wouldn't," "You have changed my life," "You were always there when I had questions... my mother really likes you, and I think she'll miss you," "I know that I was not the best, but you strived to keep me right," "I looked forward to your class every day," "... you really make us want to learn," "You helped me move on in the world, even when times were tough," "I'm sorry I messed your class up so much, but I learned a lot," "I learned the most in this class, even though I had the most fun," and "I love you." IV. Community Involvement - Back to TOP Before I began my own family, I spent a multitude of hours as a volunteer at the Greenville Zoo. I assisted in the Education Department year-round at the weekend classes for children. I spent many of my summer hours preparing for and assisting in Zoo Camp for children. I also assisted at the Adult Zoo Camp. Many times I helped during special promotional days with organization, set-up, and smooth running of activities including Boo In the Zoo. In addition, I was also trained as a volunteer Docent, and in this position I educated the public on weekends and on special occasions about topics ranging from animal characteristics to endangered species and laws that apply to wildlife. Three weeks after the birth of my first child, my husband, an Army Reservist, was called to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He was gone for exactly one year, which put a pause in my community activities. Upon his return, I received an award from the Department of Defense for distinguished contributions to the national defense. I have been a member of the ROAL (Reserve Officers' Association Ladies) and served in that organization several years as the Treasurer. I am a strong supporter of Girl Souts and have been co-leader of Brownies Troop 450, of which my eldest daughter was a member. As a group we organized several civic activities, such as making, stuffing, and delivering stockings to the patients at the Children's Hospital. One of my favorite activities was instructing the girls about life in Japan as we prepared for International Day where we shared and presented several special points of interest with those who attended. I have also encouraged civic responsibility as a teacher during my years as an advisor for the National Junior Honor Society, and Natural Helpers Group at Northwood Middle School. V. Philosophy of Teaching - Back to TOP A. Personal Feelings and Beliefs My philosophy of teaching is rooted in three basic beliefs: 1) Students need to know that what they are learning will be useful in the future; 2) All students can succeed; and 3) Learning can be fun. Each year I begin my classes by telling them our three goals for the year. We will be more organized. We will be more efficient. We will improve our memories. I talk with my seventh graders about how important these skills will be no matter what they decide to do in life. Of course, then we see how these skills will be incorporated into our Social Studies lessons. As time passes, I see students that have a firm grasp on our goals, some that are trying, some that don't know how to try, and even kids that don't care. Days go by, and I see many mistakes made as I work with my kids toward our goals. I try to keep them headed in the right direction, especially those children with little or no direction. I continue to offer guidance, support and love to all of my students. I also offer forgiveness when they need it. I find a special niche in encouraging students that bring back memories of my own days as a student. I do let them know when I am disappointed or hurt by their decisions or actions but come right back with faith and encouragement. I tell them that "Tomorrow is a new day," and we just make it a better one. I love to see my students succeed. I believe the highest achievers need as much support as those with less abilities. I make time to recognize their achievements as well as the achievements of other less able children. Without delving too deeply into my experiences as a student, I let struggling students and their parents know that I know how difficult this time can be. I encourage parents to never give up when they tell me that they hope their child will do better. I believe because of my past experiences, I am a good source of positive ideas for both the parents and their children. B. Personal Teaching Style Constantly in my classroom, we try to reach our goals by reading, writing, and discussing. My students see that I won't just tell them to organize or memorize important things. Instead, I insist on showing them how to organize and memorize. We are people working together who sometimes stay very serious and at other times can laugh. We are usually comfortable with each other and can ask each other for help if we need it. We can share how we feel at particular times about certain events.Therefore, my personal style incorporates three practical, attainable goals along with the ideas that learning can be fun so that everyone can succeed. I find my rewards when I witness my students' successes, from very small to very large. VI. Educational Issues and Trends - Back to TOP Many prominent issues in education today are focused on specific areas such as reading skills or expanding technology. These are very important matters which need to be recognized and addressed. There are many things we, as educators, need to do to prepare our youth for the future. Our students must begin now and continue to work so that they will be successful adults, care-givers, and leaders of tomorrow. Before children can begin mastering academic skills, they must believe in themselves. Each child is an individual and must know that others see value in him. Many children begin feeling valuable at home. This feeling must continue at school. However, some children do not find feelings of worth at home and may even feel less than worthy. The issue of self-concept is one that public educators must address. Children must believe that they are important, that they are capable, that mistakes can happen, and can become bygones. Children need to feel accepted and have reasons to smile. Within our hustle-bustle society and non-conventional family situations, some children may feel left out. They may not receive the encouragement they'd like or the concern of important adults in their lives. Then, as our students, they may not desire to aspire. They may choose unacceptable ways to get attention. Some don't desire any attention at all. How sad! The long term effects on these children could be devastating. We need to attempt to reach them and alter their self-concept. We need to let them experience feelings of happiness and success. In classrooms, teachers can display attainable goals and reiterate them often. Even the slightest progress must be praised. Teachers need to allow children to make mistakes, then model acceptance and guide them to better decisions later. Teachers should let students know that everybody has made mistakes and show the children that it is possible to continue on in a positive manner. All students need to be encouraged to talk about their accomplishments. They also should be able to recognize their peers achievements and praise each other. Since teachers today must be much more than academic educators, we must find ways to allow them to experience more personal and quality time with their students. A reduction in class sizes would be an excellent start. In some of the large groups we now teach, it's easy to point out the highest achievers and also the most disruptive students. All students' successes, big or small need more personal recognition. Likewise, problems in the classroom need personal attention. There needs to be more time for teachers to give encouragement to all students. With smaller classes, we could do this this better. I know there are many important facets in education, but I do believe this is one of the most important issues facing our society today. Yes, we need to educate our youth with skills from the academic areas. Most of all though, we need to assure students that they are valued. I believe that if they have a positive self-concept, they will be able to recognize and overcome mistakes, then be more likely to experience academic as well as personal growth. VII. The Teaching Profession - Back to TOP A. Strengthening and Improving the Teaching Profession Every day I touch my students' lives. In doing so, I also touch the lives of their parents. As I hold tight to my beliefs and goals, I am constantly inspiring these people. I give them hope to attain those things that they need and want. As I continue to display a positive attitude and encourage the success of those around me, I strengthen the teaching profession. Students know when a teacher believes in them. They know when they are accepted by others. When I establish this type of relationship with my students they often become higher achievers. They feel valuable and let other people know that they have a positive self-concept. When they speak and act in a positive manner about me and my class, it allows other students and people they have contact with to view teachers in a positive light. This strengthens my profession in both the school and its community. The parents of my children hear of my attitude towards the students in my classes. They listen and remember when they hear of teachers who inspire children's feelings of self worth. They tell other community members about these teachers. Thus, the teaching profession benefits from the endorsements of the parents whose children I teach B. Accountability in the Teaching Profession I believe that a teacher's accountability can be measured in several ways. Of course, as an instructor of academics and grade level skills, the students who have been part of a teacher's class should grasp and master certain objectives taught. The students often will do this if they believe that these objectives will be important to their future. Another way for students to strive for mastery is for them to have been taught the objectives using practical methods which they can apply in other areas of their life as they work toward their own personal goals. There are various accepted methods to measure the degree which students have obtained academic objectives. A teacher's records should reflect each student's accomplishments, and testing can be done to uphold these records. I have always felt that the lives of our students are the greatest type of accountability we can have. Yes, I want all of my students to go on and use the skills I taught them to further their education if that is what they desire. Whatever directions their lives may take, I want them to feel that I taught them applicable skills that are useful and make them successful at their jobs. With a positive outlook, our students will achieve their best. I also have my own need for a personal accountability. I look for my students when I am out in the community. I marvel in their successes when I hear of them. I am rewarded when I receive their graduation announcements and wedding invitations. I boast when I read of their positive contributions in the newspaper. I praise them when I see them and they tell me about their accomplishments and encourage them when they tell me of goals they still desire to obtain. I believe that I am one of the reasons for their successes and think that all of their teachers should consider their students' accomplishments as a great portion of the accountability by which they are measured. meteormom@charter.net |
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