Ed Tech Philosophy

My concept of learning simply means growth. In a successful learning environment, students

are able to not only answer questions but ask questions. More specifically, they should know
how to ask the right questions. Lessons are well designed and instruction is effective.

Technology rich lessons are used to reinforce concepts, however it is not by any means used to
solely facilitate student learning. My classroom would be more so a blended learning
environment to give each student a more personalized learning experience. In a successful
learning environment, students are engaged and able to demonstrate their learning to show
mastery.

My concept of teaching is to meet each child where they are and then grow them from that
point. A quality education is the greatest gift that we can give to a child. My passion is helping
exceptional students reach goals and inspire all students to become lifelong learners. My belief
is that every child can learn. It may require educators to bend and be more flexible with to their
learners but our ability to adapt to the learner is what true differentiation looks like.

I am a Special Education Teacher so my job is to write individual goals based on student needs.
I love my job because the focus is not on passing a test but progress. I am able to work with
students one on one to create an individual education plan that works for their needs. In my
ideal school this would be the standard for all students. Teachers are able to teach and
students are able to focus on progress not passing a test.

When designing instruction for the needs of my exceptional students, I believe that they would
most benefit from lessons with a framework that falls under behaviorism learning theory.
Research suggests that behaviorally oriented activities and the highly structured environments
they create benefit lower ability learners than higher ability learners (Cooper, 1993). With this
in mind I would focus on creating lessons using direct instruction by modeling and
incorporating technology rich instruction to reinforce concepts. I would use Screencastify to
create lessons that students can review at home or school to support concepts taught in whole
group lessons.

I love working with students. My vision is to empower students to take ownership of their
learning. I work in a Title 1 school and it is not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely my
calling. To be honest, some students make it a challenge to teach them. They come to school
angry with so many walls xup that it takes time to chip down the walls. Working with any
student is about building relationships. My goal is to have a lasting impact on my student’s
lives and to create a lifelong love for learning.

As a Special Education teacher, I create academic and sometimes emotional goals for my
students. If a student is struggling with sight words, then I would create a goal specifically for
sight words. For example: By the end of 36 instructional weeks, Jo will be able to identify 20
out of 25 1st grade sight words with 75% accuracy. Initially, I was thinking that I don’t think I
would be able to use the concept of a portfolio with my students. However, now I believe that
allowing them to be in control over their progress could truly benefit them. I had a student this
past year that could not write a sentence. By the end of the year when given a prompt he was
able to write not only a sentence but a complete story legibly! Although an eportfolio may be
too much for my students I think an traditional portfolio would be a great way for them to
demonstrate learning and progress.

The only way to continue to grow as a teacher is to be open to learning new things. Going to
professional developments are a great way to learn new concepts and ideas but actually being
open to implementing those new concepts is what makes an effective teacher. The best way
for me to continually grow is by learning from and with others and exploring proven and
promising practices that leverage technology to improve student learning. A great way to do
this is to pursue professional interests by actively participating in local and global learning
networks.

My personal goal is to complete my Graduate studies in Curriculum & Instruction and my

principal certification so that I might be able to make effective change for all students.