Professional Vision Statement
As a teacher, I will continue to grow in areas of academic content knowledge, knowledge about how children learn, and expertise in teaching strategies. At my best, I am well equipped to help students reach their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally. I desire to teach in a collaborative community and inspire learning for all. The goal of the teacher is to develop lifelong learners who have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to lead productive lives who work and live in community. My Story
I grew up an average child in a middle class family, fifth of seven children. My older sister and I were the only siblings to attend college. I received a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy in 1982, and worked with special education students and the early childhood program in the Red Wing School District. When I married and moved to Deer Park, I knew I did not want to drive for a music therapy position to the cities. I had always wanted to teach, but had lacked the confidence to pursue this profession earlier. I went back to college at River Falls and received my elementary education teaching license for grades 1-8 in 1989.
I substitute taught in Osceola during their summer school programs and during the school year. I received a contract to teach in 1992. I was mentored by a fellow fourth grade teacher, and gleaned all that I could from her and other teachers. I believe I functioned with a gut instinct and moral guide to teaching, classroom climate, and professional behavior. I followed the teacher’s manuals, and learned to plan units during those early years. I grew to feel more successful in the classroom and confident in my teaching.
My teaching career is currently in its twentieth year. I have taught with different curriculum in all subject areas. I have taken classes and been part of teacher training that has revolutionized my thinking about student learning. I believe I am a better teacher today as I continue to learn how to teach effectively and know the subject matter. Responsive classroom, cooperative learning, technology in the classroom, and mastery of my curriculum have lead to success with many students over the years. I will acknowledge that there have been students who I was not as successful with. More thoughts are directed toward how I can reach every child in my career now.
The classes I have taken over the years have continued to grow me professionally. I especially feel the more recent units I developed and brought back into the classroom awed me when I saw the student excitement and motivation. One was a Native American History project, adding drama to the classroom. Working with a math curriculum where students investigate their subject, rather than rote memorization of steps, is another example of the change I now embrace.
March, 2012
I began the Master's in Learning Community Program from UW - La Crosse when my first child went off to college. My other two children were teenagers in high school. I believed that I should make more money so I could offer more financial support for my children as they all head to college. I also believed that with all of the hours I put in as a teacher, this was a way to be better compensated.
What I have received from my master's program can hardly be put to words! I have new skills and knowledge that have impacted my classroom and fourth grade team in positive ways. I have a desire to continue to learn by reading educational literature. I now know what social justice is, and will continue to make this a bigger part of my classroom than it has been in the past. I have a new desire to lead within my grade level and school. I have passion for my work! I believe the eight to ten years that I have left to teach will be my personal best, but also will go by too fast. This program has become less about the pay raise, and much more about becoming a viable, successful, contributing teacher to my students and district.
March, 2012
I began the Master's in Learning Community Program from UW - La Crosse when my first child went off to college. My other two children were teenagers in high school. I believed that I should make more money so I could offer more financial support for my children as they all head to college. I also believed that with all of the hours I put in as a teacher, this was a way to be better compensated.
What I have received from my master's program can hardly be put to words! I have new skills and knowledge that have impacted my classroom and fourth grade team in positive ways. I have a desire to continue to learn by reading educational literature. I now know what social justice is, and will continue to make this a bigger part of my classroom than it has been in the past. I have a new desire to lead within my grade level and school. I have passion for my work! I believe the eight to ten years that I have left to teach will be my personal best, but also will go by too fast. This program has become less about the pay raise, and much more about becoming a viable, successful, contributing teacher to my students and district.
