Jenna Haskins' Teaching Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

Children are our future. Each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. With schooling and education they all come to us teachers looking for guidance. It is my goal to help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas.  I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between each other, as the core of what makes life so fascinating. 

I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.  It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites the sharing of ideas.  Three elements that are conducive to establishing such an environment include the teacher acting as a guide, the child's natural 
curiosity to direct his/her learning, and the promotion of respect for all things and all people. With a classroom of these three elements, the children will grow and learn to not only be independent but upstanding citizens. 

In order to get my students to accept their peers, I intend to use differentiation and preferred learning styles in each lesson. Every lesson presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities but also in learning styles.  My role as a teacher is to give the children the tools with which to cultivate their own garden of knowledge.  To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that ALL learners can feel capable and successful. I will present curriculum that involves the interest of the children and makes learning relevant to real life. I will bring my teaching alive by incorporating themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners.  Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society. 

Showing my students the beauty they possess inside, in order to help them develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others and their environment through an open sharing of ideas and communication.  When the voice of each student is heard, the environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. From class meetings, to a voice box, I believe my classroom will encourage dialogue and the encouragement of my students own opinions. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers and the lessons presented when they feel safe, and sure of what is expected of them.  In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time.  In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment. 
 

For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth.  One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them.  I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children.  In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs.  I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator I can be.

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