I am a paraprofessional at Magnolia School. I have been employed there since 2001. I was a substitute teacher for several years and I decided I wanted to work full time in a school. I attended Faulkner State Community College and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2006. I am currently attending The University of South Alabama and hope to teach my own students by 2011.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

"A bit about me"...

I have always wanted to teach. When I was a little girl, I would line up the kitchen chairs and make a classroom. My younger siblings would grudgingly be my students and I would be the stern, but loving teacher. After high school, the smell of money took me to the beach where time flew and so did my dreams. I kept saying that college could wait another year and after two beautiful daughters and a painful divorce, college was waiting for me. I do regret that it took me almost thirty years to receive a degree, but I am living my dream.
I am a Paraprofessional at an elementary school and I am ready to teach. I have been in the classroom for eight years and it's time to spread my wings. The wonderful teachers I have worked with have given me extraordinary knowledge and insight. One can not learn some lessons in a college classroom and I believe I am very fortunate to work with such gifted teachers. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I am up for the challenge. Good things come to those who wait!!

Character Traits

I believe every child should respect and trust the people in their lives. I will do everything within my power to teach my students to be respectful of others, trust those who love them, make honesty a daily habit, be cooperative when asked to do something, show integrity and persevere when times are tough. I hope they can model their behavior after mine. it is important to respect your students if you expect them to listen to and respect you. I will teach them to look for the good in their peers and show patience when things don't go their way. Start instilling these traits when our children are young and maybe the world will be a little better in the future.

Power Point Presentations

I did not grow up with a computer and my teenage children know much more about using all a computer has to offer. I work with fifth graders and they are currently using PowerPoint to present information to fellow classmates. I have only done one presentation and I realize practice makes perfect. PowerPoint is used in businesses all over the world and today's students have a jumpstart on technology. Reading a book and presenting it through PowerPoint can actually allow a child to comprehend the story better!! I would enjoy a PowerPoint Presentation over a lecture without visuals any day!

Blogs

Keeping in touch with parents and guardians is important in developing a relationship with a student. A daily blog with information on the days events keeps the parents updated on the curriculum. Blogs allow you to view pictures of your children in school and parents can comment on the days activities. Blogs also give you access to other schools and the community. Involving parents and the community in the education of chilren is very important.

Reading for Fun!!

Reading is so important and many students struggle with the comprehension of the stories they are reading. Each student has their own goals and levels. I would encourage group reading with group discussions. Threaded discussions on the computer each week would bring a little more adventure to reading. Not all children are excited about a book or short story and I would look for new ways to encourage reading and comprehending. Reading is fun and I look forward to reading with my class.

Help with Homework!

Many children struggle with homework and in many cases, parents don't have all the answers. Examples of problems and answers should be available to parents online and helpful hints would be a great advantage to a student. Being able to see the problem in front of you and understanding the answer builds confidence in a child. This blog would increase a students daily grade with homework being completed and understood. I'm not a big believer in lots of homework and I certainly don't want to stress a child out over something they can't figure out.