User:Bapeters98

ABOUT ME
My name is Brooke and I live in Stafford, VA. I have been a substitute teacher in grades K-12 for the past couple of years, with long-term contracts in a mainstream 4th grade class and a 6th grade science class. I have taught English overseas and in the US to refugees and international students. I plan on teaching either elementary English as a Second Language (ESL) or in a mainstream elementary classroom, in the states or overseas. I have a BS of Education in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia and an MA in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. I am currently taking courses to earn a Virginia teaching license.

My hobbies include playing sports; participating in various church activities; spending time with friends; travelling widely—Haiti, Bosnia & Eastern Europe, Thailand, Switzerland, Germany, Taiwan; and researching organizations and opportunities to serve in the developing world-- especially with regard to children and justice issues.

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING
As I consider what I value in teaching and how I want my classroom, I believe it is of utmost importance to create an environment that feels safe and secure for students. In such a place, students should not feel threatened, ridiculed, or embarrassed by the teacher or students. A “safe” and encouraging environment fostered by the teacher and students gives every student the opportunity to explore and try new things while not fearing being “wrong”. Having such an environment involves emphasizing positive aspects of each person, although not to the neglect of ignoring inappropriate behavior. It is important for students to know what is expected of them and to have consistency in consequences for not following rules or giving some effort to activities and schoolwork. Such an environment can also be created by the teacher using consequences instead of yelling or demeaning students. Along with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, I would have a creative and fun environment that is visually and kinesthetically appealing with opportunities to explore when there is free time. Computers would be available for reading and core content games and activities.

I believe that students should be given respect and dignity-- not based on their opinions, interests, appearance, or performance but because it is already inherent in them as human beings. This means that students of varying levels and cultures would be accepted and valued. I would like to celebrate and understand differences instead of trying to create similarities. Students in different ability groupings would assist one another. Although I am a proponent of bilingual education for a limited time in student’s education, I would make efforts to scaffold instruction for English Language Learners who may be in my mainstream classroom. I would have the same requirements (goals) for all students but would recognize achievement individually which means I would know when some goals may need to be altered or individualized. I would want character to be an important aspect of the curriculum content and would prefer to have some flexibility in the curriculum. I would emphasize parental involvement, believing that it is a key aspect of education and would try to encourage this through meetings, volunteer opportunities, and sharing with the students ways that they could have their parents participate in activities and in their learning.