User:Cstanton

Christine Stanton: A Brief Bio
Hello! Welcome to my "About the Author" page. Thanks for taking the time to read my bio.

I'm 35 years old and I live in Amissville, Virginia, a tiny town within 15 miles of Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park. I'm working towards my Licensure to teach through the ODU Teletechnet program at the Lord Fairfax-Fauquier County campus. I have been married for 12 years and have three incredible kids, Jackson (8), Aidan (5) and Jocelyn (3). I'm a little biased but I think that they're the best kids in the world! We also have four cats (Leon, Molly, Cole & Cosmo), two hamsters (Cleo and Hunny) and numerous fish!

Having played the piano for about 25 years, I'm the Pianist for Remington United Methodist Church in Remington, VA and I teach piano lessons out of my home, which has worked well with raising small children. Teaching piano and wanting a work life that supports my involvement with my children has led me to want to teach in the school system. I have substitute taught in the Fauquier County Public School System (elementary only) and feel most led to teach later elementary school grades (3rd through 5th).

Aside from my pianist duties, I also am the Administrative Assistant at Remington United Methodist Church which helps pay the bills (musicians don't make much!). I have a Business Degree from the University of Maryland and several years of professional experience in Human Resources. My hobbies include making beaded jewelry, reading, gardening, and eating anything my husband cooks (move over Emeril!).

The greatest reward of teaching is seeing a child learn something new with a sparkle of pride in their eyes for their own accomplishment.

My Teaching Philosophy
I always tell the parents of my piano students that learning to play the piano requires only about 20% of lesson time and 80% of practice, practice, practice. Teachers can only do so much but the hardest work is mostly up to the student. We must remember that learning is a life long journey. We get those kids for just a few hours a day, 5 days a week for 3/4 of a year. The rest of their lives they will be learning new things and making new choices. Regardless of their home environment, we need to make sure their needs are met within the walls of our classroom - be it a healthy lunch, a friend to talk to, and a place to feel safe. Sometimes that's the most we can do for these children - be aware of our pupil's needs and meet them as best we can. If we can show that respect and value to the children in our classrooms and MOTIVATE them to want to learn through fun and interactive learning activities, we'll be giving them a better life after school, for the other 80% of their lives!

I believe that teachers are like "guides" in life. Our job is not simply to just hand out information to and then test students. Our job is to motivate students, to make learning fun and to give children knowledge and tools that they can use for the rest of their lives. The best teachers leave their students hungry for more information, anxious to get in their classroom door, and always remember how fun learning can be.

Teachers have a tremendous amount of influence on younger children. Sometimes, we can be one of the very few real-life contacts that children have outside of their families. We need to be role models, examples, coaches, cheerleaders, comedians, disciplinarians, nurses, mothers and above all teachers. In my humble opinion, I believe that Teachers have one of the most difficult, most rewarding, and most influential jobs in our society.

Hi Christine!!! Well it sounds like you have a very busy yet rewarding life. I also believe that teachers are to help guide students in the right direction and motivate them to be the best they can be. I think you have made some interesting points in the way you describe teachers. I wish you well in your studies and your career.Tbrim001 (talk) 23:20, 14 September 2008 (UTC)