User:Msumm006

'''Hi! My name is Maryanne Summerford!'''

About Me! I am a Sophomore at ODU and I am majoring in Elementary Education K-3. I am from Yorktown, Virginia. I grew up in a small town, so moving to the city of Norfolk has been a challenge for me. I graduated from Grafton High School and ever since I was young, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was a foreign exchange student to Germany and other countries in Europe when I was in highschool so I was able to see how different students around the world learn. In 2007, my father passed away of cancer, so I have been trying to get involved with cancer research. I enjoy spending time with my family and friendsImage:. After I graduate I would like to travel and see as much of the world as I can before starting my career.

My Philosophy on Education: I was raised in a broken home. My parents divorced when I was 11 and I lived with my mom and two sisters. I understand I can't help everyone, but if I can help a child like the way some of my teachers helped me than all of my hard work and effort will be worth it. I believe every child should have the same opportunities, no matter what race, social class, or gender. I hope to eventually work more with children in foster care.

Instructional StrategiesI believe teachers should be gifted to teach students of all different learning styles. I hope to bring in art and text to my classroom. I find hands on activities allows students to understand the topic better and hope to make the course more fun.

Classroom Environment: I picture my classroom to be full of color. I want every inch of the walls to be covered in art work and projects the students created. Every student should feel rewarded for what they have done. They should feel proud of the things they will accomplish.

Technology: Since I grew up on computers, I am sure my future students will too. No one knows what the future holds though, but I hope to be able to teach my students to use the most up to date technology there is to offer.

Assessment: At the start of the school year, students will be tested to see what levels of learning they are at. That way I will know how to teach each individual student. Through out the year they will be given different graded assignments, but for the most part I will go off of a test when they first start school and then they will be tested again mid-year to see what their strengths and weaknesses are.