Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

Educational Philosophy Statement

I believe that education is the single most important aspect in a person’s life. Through education the mind is shaped and through this shaping process perceptions are made; perceptions not only of one’s self but of the community. The teacher is the life-source of this knowledge. As such, the teacher has an obligation to pass on information as accurately and as effectively as possible. Moreover, the teacher must nurture each student by aiding him or her in excelling not only as a student but also as a person. I believe that all children can learn, although in different ways and at different rates. All children should be treated as equals, despite their learning needs or gifts. The classroom should be an open, accessible and safe environment for all students. As an educator, I strive to give increased attention to physical and mental disabilities in hopes of preventing inappropriate identification and mislabeling. As a special education instructor, I will differentiate my curriculum so that all of my students are able to compete equally.

I have three primary goals for all of my students: (1) I want them to learn how to critically think about the world around them; (2) I want them to understand that through their actions they can change the world; and (3) I want them to truly enjoy learning. To assist my students in meeting these goals I will stay abreast of the ever-changing special education system and learn the ebbs and flows of the laws surrounding special education services. I believe that special education is an extension of services which help children to learn, and enables them to become productive citizens. I fully support inclusion and the education of all students in the most appropriate, least restrictive environment.
I believe that when the school community functions as a team the community can develop curricula and teaching methods that will be meaningful and useful for all students; regardless of their intellectual capabilities. By regularly collaborating with my colleagues and allowing my students to actively participate in the construction of curricula, the classroom can become a place where ideas can flow freely. I am a believer in George S. Counts theory of Reconstructionism (this philosophy advocates that schools have the responsibility not only to transmit knowledge, they have a mission to transform society as well). I believe that students can gain essential knowledge and skills in creative, exciting and engaging ways by becoming actively involved in all aspects of their education. Teaching and creating curricula provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth.

Education is evolving each day and it is the educator’s responsibility to stay abreast of the changing system while insuring a full and healthy education for each student. That responsibility may require going to school one or two hours early and/or departing one or two hours late. Being an educator is not a 9 to 5 job; it is a twenty-four hour seven-day-a-week commitment. Whether I am a teacher or an administrator, I will be conscious of my students’ academic abilities/disabilities and will strive to provide them with the tools they need as individuals to succeed in society.

References

deBettencourt, L. U., & Howard, L. (2007). The effective special education teacher: A practical guide for success. Chicago, IL: Prentice-Hall/Merrill/Pearson.

Gambrell, L., Morrow, L., & Pressley, M. (2007). Best practices in literacy instruction (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Miller, S. (2009). Validated practices for teaching students with diverse needs and abilities. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Pearson.

Work History

• Maret School
• Learning Specialist
• June 2008 to Present

• Responsible for providing advanced supervisory and professional expertise in all areas of academic support systems; coordinating and managing all campus resources utilized by students with learning differences; providing support for teachers and parents regarding students' specific needs and developing and supervising individual educational plans with emphasis on increasing a student's understanding of his or her learning challenges.

Education

• The Johns Hopkins University
• M.S. Special Education
• 2010 -

• Bates College
• B.A. African American Studies, Minors: Secondary Education and World History (Jewish History and Culture)
• 2010 -