Model Teachers: 4th Grade

Grade: 4th Grade
School: General Stanford Elementary
Years Taught: 6.5

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I have worked with and learned from some fantastic teachers over the years. I also know that teaching can feel stressful and isolating at times, and I would love to help eliminate that for some if I can.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
I think I would describe my classroom as structured and mellow. Routine and clear expectations have proven to be the most helpful things, especially through and after the pandemic, I have found to make my students feel empowered.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Passionate! If I am not in the classroom, I am thinking about my students, planning in my head, modifying instruction, or talking to my team. I love my students, and I love giving them the tools to feel confident and empowered.

Grade: 4th Grade
School: Achievable Dream Academy
Years Taught: 11

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I love supporting teachers, in the sense, the same way I love teaching. It's such an amazing feeling to watch someone overcome something & have their own sense of accomplishment, whether that is learning to read or feeling confident in front of a classroom. I believe my students sometimes learn best from each other, so I also believe that is true for us as adults. We learn better from someone who is in the classroom with us or when we go and observe, talk to, and brainstorm solutions with someone who is currently in the classroom.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Flexible. My classroom uses flexible seating, but we also are learning to have a flexible attitude. A classroom needs routines and procedures, but the kids should also learn to adapt to the curveballs that are thrown into a day (teacher is out sick, split classes, having a bad morning, a field trip). Being able to learn and cope with these curve balls are life lessons that my students can take with them after they leave my classroom.