Theories

Social Constructivism Vygotsky

I first learned about social constructivism when I studied Vygotsky and his theories
in my Child Development class.

Humanism
My dad, who is an educator, was the first person to put a name to this theory for me.
The practice of this theory comes naturally to me.

Choice Theory
I was first introduced to this theory in Terry Stocktons class. This theory stretches
my thinking but includes truth Ive seen in my life experiences.

Love and Logic & Logical Consequences
I was first introduced to these theories at a pre-service teacher Professional
Development session. It brought me a huge sigh of relief when I realized I could not
control my students.

Creating a Culture of Thinking - Ron Ritchhart
This pedagogy in this text based many of my current values for education:
collaboration, critical thinking, discussion, and using the classroom environment to
display thinking.


Professors & Courses

Paul Yu MTH 322
From Paul, I learned what it was like to have a true discussion-based classroom.
Paul valued problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and forming
relationships with students.

Jon Hasenbank MTH 323
From Jon, I learned about standards based grading, which is my preferred grading
method. I learned that assessing mastery of standards requires evidence.

Lisa Kasmer MTH 324
From Lisa, I learned to evaluate moments in which to step out of instruction in
order to let students engage in productive struggle and moments in which to step
in to further learning and understanding.

Char Beckman MTH 496, Lisa Kasmer MTH 324, Jo Boaler Mathematical
Mindsets
Through a combination of taking these courses at the same time and reading this
text, I learned the importance of engaging students in rich mathematical tasks. This
practice broadens their view of mathematics, encourages problem solving skills and
critical thinking, and increases enjoyment of mathematics.

Jo Boaler Mathematical Mindsets
Through reading and discussing this text, I learned about a broader view of
mathematics. I also learned much about equity in education and how homework and
grading relate to equity.

Janet Navarro ENG 308 Visible Thinking by Harvard Project Zero
In Janet Navarros class, she introduced me to thinking routines and the Visible
Thinking pedagogy. It shapes the way that I teach and has taught me to value
thinking and diverse ideas. She taught me to encourage discussion and ask good
questions that promote deep thought.

Terry Stockton EDF 310
Terry taught me that I can teach how I want to and that teachers should teach in a
way that matches their personality. He also taught me that behaviorism may seem
to work, but it only works while the teacher is in the classroom.


Other Experiences and People

My Dad
My dad is an educator who has shared his growing and changing pedagogy with me
since I can remember. Many of my deeply rooted ideas, such as critical thinking and
humanism, came from him parenting me. His grading philosophy of allowing
students to retake tests because it doesnt matter when a student learns the
information began forming my philosophy about grades.

Ms. Beatty Volunteer Assisting at Ada Elementary
This experience allowed me to test pedagogies I was learning in my classes, which
furthered my education and understanding of children tremendously. Ms. Beatty
also taught me that it is possible to have the classroom I dream of having: a
collaborative, flexible environment where learning and thinking are frequently
discussed. I have also learned humility from her; the teacher is one member of a
community of learners, and students should be elevated as experts and thinkers.

Event: Curriculum Main Ideas
One summer, I wrote a curriculum for a camp. When teaching it to counselors, I used
inquiry practices and let them discover what they thought the main idea of each
lesson was. The counselors thought the main ideas were different than what I
intended, and I spent the rest of the summer trying to get them to understand how
the themes for each lesson and how they all worked together. I learned to share
values and main ideas explicitly if I think they are crucially important.

Jesus
The core of who I am as a teacher comes from the love I have experienced from
Jesus. It is the reason I want to show children they are loved, cared about, and
valued. Jesus example has given me a heart for students who are struggling and feel
like they dont belong. The way that Jesus relates to individuals in the Bible has
encouraged me to meet with and address students individually.