STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
Strength of character is an integral part of Mineola's mission statement. Helping my students build their character starts from within. Being involved with extracurricular activities and clubs is important for everyone - both teachers and students. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to participate in so many amazing things that Mineola High School has to offer. In my classroom, I strive to build a solid foundation where students can grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. This begins in the environment (as shown in the video below). Through these challenging times, it has been more critical than ever to build good relationships with our students. In order to establish strength of character in our students, the classroom environment has to reflect that from day one. I have implemented classroom management strategies and techniques that ensure that all students feel safe to ask questions and feel brave enough to branch out and try new things.
My Classroom
E N V I R O N M E N T
I strive to make my classroom a warm and welcoming place for my students. It began as a blank Canvas, and I love decorating it to create a nice space where students feel comfortable and at ease. I strive to teach in a way where no one is afraid to ask or answer questions, and everyone has a Growth Mindset.
Making all students feel capable of their own success
As a special education teacher, I am continuously striving to help my students meet their potential. I utilize differentiated instruction daily, and use multiple methods of assessing student knowledge that best suits every learner. I help students gain confidence in their abilities, and help them learn how to advocate for themselves and reach their goals. As shown below is a screenshot of a student-lead IEP, where students take control of their IEP meeting. This has been incredible to witness, and I am excited to continue helping my students and watching them grow.
Notes from Students
When students reach out to tell you how you have impacted them, or how thankful they are that they had you as a teacher, there is no greater feeling in the world. To the right are some messages from students that solidify why I do what I do. I try every day to establish a great classroom environment, and it's heartwarming to get feedback like this! Building good relationships with your students is so important for their success. Please feel free to click on each photo and scroll through to read them!
Notes from Parents
There is an overwhleming sense of joy when a parent thanks you. You have impacted the life of their child in a positive way, and therefore helped a family. There is no better team than the parent-teacher team. Unfortunately, many of my first and second year emails got deleted prior to 2019, but please view some of my most current emails from parents. Please feel free to click on each photo and scroll through to read them!
Demonstrating Strength of Character: Creating videos to help my Coworkers
How to use Screencastify
A tutorial created by me
I created this video for my coworkers to help them navigate the Screencastify Application - a great tool to record video lessons that can be published to either Canvas or EdPuzzle. Press the play button to see a preview of the video!
How to use Canvas Studio
A tutorial created by me
I created this video for my coworkers to help them navigate Canvas Studio - which is similar to EdPuzzle. It's a useful tool to upload quick videos and embed questions. Press the play button to see a preview of the video!
How to use EdPuzzle
A tutorial created by me
I created this video for my coworkers to help them navigate EdPuzzle. Press the play button to see a preview PART 1 of the video.
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Click HERE to view Part 2
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Click HERE to view Part 3
Establishing Relationships with Students
through supporting their interests
Please scroll through the 14 slides below
Supporting my Students
Class of 2020 Drive-by Graduation!
Girls Who Code Club!
During the 2020 school year, I have had 10 girls be involved in the Girls Who Code club meeting! They have worked together and built a bond over coding and their desire to continue to learn and grow and pursue their dreams. I am so excited to see this club take off further in the years to come. Below is a photo of the girls on Webex this year!
Trying New Lessons
This year especially, has been a year to expand our horizons and try new things. I try to keep my lessons engaging, and incorporate a variety of applications and activities to keep my classroom environment fun and to keep students wanting to learn more. Doing so allows me to establish a good classroom environment, and enables students to want to reach their full potential. Attached are some Tweets where I tried to do fun and interesting lessons. You can click on the Tweets to expand and view!