Learner Development

Learner development is the goal of every dedicated teacher. My goals for my students are not simply to retain information, but to grow in their ability to apply knowledge to their individual lives and to think critically and creatively. My students are the citizens, workers, artists, shapers, and leaders of the future. My ultimate goal is for my students to be discerning, compassionate learners who can apply the lessons of the past to building a better future.

 

Above, is an example of development goals for a particular unit using Bloom's Taxonomy and the Michigan State Standards for Social Studies.

Learning Differences

As a mom of children with learning differences, I am keenly aware of and an advocate for the diverse learning styles and needs of students in my classroom. I intentionally utilize teaching methods and lesson content that appeals to a wide variety of learning differences, seeking to include aspects that are most accessible to each student's needs. Examples include routine use of highly visual content, frequent group or partnered activities, and hands-on exploration whenever possible. I am also dedicated to providing effective, diversified materials for students with learning disabilities, while ensuring such students are fully incorporated into our classroom community.

Below is a document containing some examples of my differentiated instruction methods for secondary social studies.

Learning Environment

The environment I build in my classroom is one of universal acceptance, love, and respect. These attitudes are intentionally built into the everyday patterns of our time together. From arranging tables in a way that facilitates a sense of community, a sensory corner and soft lighting, clearly stated classroom expectations, and frequent words of encouragement and support, each facet of classroom life is centered around nurturing mutual understanding, kindness, and respect. Beyond these things, I strive to build connections with each student individually in such a way that they feel truly seen and valued.