Taylor Cohen
EN 101
Aubrianne Norton
10/27/15
A teacher’s aspiration to do more inside and outside of the classroom
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA- RISE SCHOOL, located on the campus of the University of Alabama, is what many call a second home to some of Tuscaloosa’s children with special needs. The school admits children from birth to the age of 5 years old. The University of Alabama funded the program in 1977. The focus of the program expanded to include more diversity in enrollment. In addition to children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida, Rise served children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. The staff had expanded to include teachers, teacher assistants, the family service coordinator and consulting speech, physical, and occupational therapists.
One of the many teachers to work at Rise is Nicole Griffin. Nicole has been one of Rises most prominent teachers since she started working there in 1998.
Known for her dedication to her work, Nicole is enthusiastic and committed to teaching. Nicole Griffin is seen as a role model to many in that she has a natural ability to inspire children in special ways. She brightens the classroom with her motherly vibes and brightening smile. She effectively copes with students with many learning differences and disabilities. Her positive influence on the students and staff makes the Rise school a joy to be apart of.
Mrs. Griffin is a petite, joyfully spirited woman with a large ambition on her shoulders. Her entire life
I interviewed Dr. Linda Vandaveer, a school psychologist with the Simi Valley Unified School District, on February 4, 2016. I saw her at Katherine Elementary School, and she also works with two other schools in the district. I found the interview enjoyable and interesting.
Natalie Dukes is a good student who is an example we should all follow, not only for someone who wants to be famous, but also simply for any student who is ready to leap into their dreams and aspirations becoming a
Marisol’s son Jason had been recommended for services for almost seven months by school teacher and supporting staff. Throughout his year in Pre- K, his teacher documented several incidents which lead her to believe he needed to be evaluated for special education. He was not reaching academic milestones for his age. In response, Marisol felt that she was being pressured into rushing an evaluation and thought her son deserved to meet the milestones at his own pace. Marisol delayed the evaluation process by not submitting necessary consent and paper promptly. When asked what hopes or fears she had about special education, she expressed fears of Jason being treated different not only by teachers and peers, but by relatives and friends. She noted that she also did not feel well- informed on the process of evaluation and allocation of services when asked about what would help calm her fears. Marisol explained that she just needed a meeting where every question she had would be answered with knowledge, exactitude, and expertise. After Jason’s behavior led to a teacher injury, Marisol felt forced to allow the evaluation process to begin. Jason, who is now five years old, was placed in a twelve-to-one Kindergarten setting upon
Many of Leslie’s teaching strategies were somewhat questionable and often not by-the-book, but I think that’s what made her a great teacher. I think that showing up to these kids’ houses near Christmas, taking them in her own car to visit a charter school, bringing a snake her cat dragged in for educational show-and-tell, and allowing some religious aspects to enter her room all were decisions she made that benefitted every kid in her room. I think that no teacher is perfect, and she wasn’t either: but I believe that every day, she gave her all to do what was best for her students, and that’s all you can ask
Reading chapter six of America’s Teachers: An Introduction to Education (Newman, 2006) reminded me of the Barenaked Ladies song It’s All Been Done (Page, 1998). As I read the conflicting sides of each argument regarding education as far back of the Civil War, I kept thinking how none of this sounded new. It’s all been done before, and we are still debating many of the same issues. Newman (2006) put it another way, “Despite promoters’ claims to the contrary, few educational wheels are brand new. Most have been reinvented. Sold to the public as innovations, they are more like retreaded and recycled tires” (p.180). The purpose of education, the way in which education is managed by state and federal governments, and whom we educate (and how) will always be, in my opinion, a hot debate.
Elie Wiesel once said , “When human lives are endangered…….at that moment- become the center of the universe. I agree that religion, race, and political view are important because they can show different points of views in other people, make experiences to different people, and show let a lot of emotions to other people. I agree with what he said for it is something that is very true and did happen. For example, when Adolf Hitler took all the jews many people die because of Hitler he had no choices ,however, all of the other countries knew they had them.
She’s also well known for playing the lead role as Gigi in the Broadway production “Gigi”. She taught me to be confident with myself no matter what and to not let anyone tell you something is not
I am pleased to provide this recommendation on behalf of Ms. Sarah Albanna. I believe she is an outstanding candidate for a teaching assistant position.
A student and an athlete, Lauren has demonstrated over the past three years a determination and true passion for learning in the classroom and on the field. As her counselor for the past three years, Lauren has been a stellar role model. True to herself and others, she is respected by both peers and staff alike. A leader in and out of the classroom, Lauren sticks to her morals and values and is committed to helping others.
Throughout my education career at Texas A&M there have been a few different significant educators that have peaked my interest. My focus in undergrad was English/Language Arts and Social Studies for middle school, but as I’ve learned more through my graduate degree I’ve become fascinated with the idea of different types of schooling and the lower level grades. For example, I never heard of an open concept classroom until my first graduate course. Once I heard this idea I’ve been researching and looking up alternative education models, such as Montessori, with interest in maybe teaching in this type or another alternative school eventually. In addition, I’ve researched how educators began to create certain “levels” in schooling based on age, and focused in on kindergarten. My very first job in education was with kindergarten and I was always curious to know how this specific “pre-school” level of education was brought into existence. This time in a child’s life is crucial to their success because they are building a foundation for their future career in school, and I want to learn more about it. The following is my research on Maria Montessori and Frederick Froebel, two significant educators with an impact on the field of education in alternative schooling and kindergarten respectively.
I desire to join the Teach for America organization in order to help me establish my teaching abilities. I have a passion for teaching children. I have always wanted to teach others rather children or adults alike. I first found my love of teaching at Wednesday night bible study class with the two and three year old class. I enjoyed seeing how much they loved learning the lessons and how they interacted with me and the other teacher. I know your organization will help me to achieve becoming a teacher through your training and hands on experience that you offer to your applicants that are chosen for this task. Teach for America will help me to grow and develop the necessary skills that I will need in order to be successful within the classroom
Teach for America is an organization that helps in need schools. Every day my professors tell us that that is where the teachers are needed most. Because of high rates of teacher turnovers, lack of school funding, and the negative impact of society some students fall through the gaps in the education system. I want to be a part of this solution and through Teach for America I will do that.
Throughout the years we have taught together, I have come to admire Kristin’s dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism. She goes above and beyond what is expected of teachers, which is evident in her instructional practices. Her genuine concern for the success of all of her students is another part of what makes her an exceptional teacher. She thoroughly enjoys teaching English Language Arts and spends countless hours planning, organizing, and preparing innovative lessons that ensure all of her students are successful, yet challenged. She is always seeking out new methods, ideas, and resources, which are actively engaging and elicit students’ curiosity and excitement for learning. Kristin always conducts herself if a professional manner and is natural leader on our campus. She willingly takes on extra responsibilities; for instance, she is the PBIS facilitator for St. Amant Middle School. Kristin is a respected educator and an asset to our school, and district.
She is a great inspiration to me, and inspires me even more to become a teacher.
Teaching is not just a job that I perform because I expect a reward at the end of each month; it is my passion and I feel extremely satisfied with every successful lesson. I like to help the society, and teaching gives me a great opportunity to do so. I am passionate about educating my students, so I work with them and motivate them to lead them to find inspiration in learning. I use different strategies to engage them and share with them the knowledge.