User:Awest014

About Me

Hello All! My name is Amy West and I am from Midlothian, VA. After attending the ODU main campus for several semesters, I decided to move back home and take all Distance Learning classes. I definitely made the right decision - I am much happier and my grades are much better. I am planning on getting my Masters in Education (PK-6). Ideally, I would like to teach first grade. Currently, I work full time as a nanny for two little boys. With school and work, I don't have much free time. But, when I do find some, I like to watch movies, go out with friends, take my dog for a walk, or do anything crafty.

My Teaching Philosophy

I think there are many different things that a teacher must have in order to be a good and effective teacher. A teacher must know the curriculum and create detailed lesson plans in order to teach it to the students. They also need to know how to reach their students effectively and be aware of each student's personal needs. I certainly have goals which I plan to develop during the rest of my education so that I can implement them in my classroom someday. But, I don't think I will know what kind of a teacher I want to be until I get into the classroom and realize what I do and don't want for myself and my students. I believe that a teacher needs to be aware of the best way in which to reach each student and what that student needs from them. That applies to special education students, at risk students, both genders, and every ability level. I think that knowing how each student learns best in my class will help me to develop my instructional strategies for that class. I think implementing all of the different types of learning into each lesson plan will help me reach each student. I also think it is important to include many different strategies, such as group learning, lecturing, etc., in order for each student to have a way to understand the material. These are just some of the skills and ideas I think a teacher needs to master in order to be a good and effective teacher.