Active Learning Is The Best Learning
About
I am a 7th grade Social Studies teacher, and I absolutely love it! I make history and geography come ALIVE!! I explain things in a way that can be easily understood, and I make relevant, real-world connections to everything I teach.
When you walk into my classroom, you instantly know it’s no ordinary classroom. There are selfies of my students on the bulletin board, drawings from our Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel simulation adorn the walls, and there might be a ship in the room! We hunt treasure, build things, camp out in the "Lair of Doom," investigate crime scenes, Skype marines, and more! When we have debates about current policies and ideas, I put on my horns and play Devil’s Advocate. I try to be as creative as possible so that Social Studies comes to life. In addition to having fun, I train my students to be independent, critical thinkers who have faith in their ability to change the world.
Some of my favorite activities that I do in my classroom are Benjamin Franklin Mario Kart (students sit on scooters and retrieve questions about Ben Franklin found inside Super Mario question boxes, relay style), Roanoke escape room, and Lexington and Concord (the student “Minuteman” puts on a bunch of clothes before the “British” students find the hidden Easter egg “weapons”).
My favorite thing is when students come to me hating Social Studies. I view it as my personal mission to change their minds!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing I do is get to know my new student. Establishing a positive relationship and building a good rapport is paramount to me. This makes it so much easier to connect with the student and relate content to what he or she is interested in.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Writing Arts from Rowan University. I also have a Middle School Social Studies Endorsement, and I am highly qualified. I have almost completed my master's degree in Cognition, Creativity, Instruction, and Development from Texas A&M University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Prices are negotiable.
How did you get started teaching?
I can still remember my mother crying in the kitchen. My brother was registered for preschool, September was looming, but he was not potty-trained. My mom was frustrated, and at age six, I knew I had to help. Using my chalkboard, I taught my brother what to do when he needed to use the bathroom. Before I knew about multimodal teaching, I coupled my illustrations with a VHS tape called It’s Potty Time. He was potty-trained within a week. For me, it was the first indicator that I could find a way to get through to a child when others could not. Though I am grateful for the successes outlined in my resume, I am most proud of the times I was able to make connections and inspire progress with students who did not believe it was possible.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and abilities. Though I teach 7th grade now, I have also taught elementary school. I have worked with students with severe disabilites, gifted students, and just about every ability in between. I believe that all students are capable of learning and achieving growth.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to go with a teacher with whom you feel a personal connection. I believe my biggest strength is the relationships I have with my students, which makes them want to do well not just for themselves, but also for me. Social Studies can be incredibly boring if it isn't taught by a teacher who will bring it to life and make it relevant.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
-What is my goal?
-How can I set mini goals for myself?
-How do I learn best?