Teaching Portfolio
Laurie Baccardax
Introduction
This portfolio will serve as a window into my classroom. I will share with you how I view education as an educator, how my classroom is set up and the type of teacher that I am.
Enclosed you will find the following things:
My resume
My philosophy of teaching
Instructional and Assessment strategies
How I establish and maintain a positive learning environment
Child development
My discipline and classroom management
Special talents and abilities
Related experience
Philosophy of Teaching
A teacher is a facilitator of learning, he/she creates an environment where children take the initiative for their own learning.
Children learn best in interactive and cooperative climates, where they discover things individually.
A teacher builds trust and respect so that children feel free to take risks.
A teacher sets the tone in the class by establishing a love of learning among the students. To do this he/she must show themselves to be a learner as well.
Students learn from each other, a busy classroom is a sign of learning taking place.
A hands-on approach allows for maximum learning.
How I maintain and develop a positive learning environment
Build a feeling of trust in the classroom.
- Establish classroom rules at the beginning of the school year together.
- Create an atmosphere that draws the students into learning and exploring; that encourages them to participate, to get involved; to become curious and excited about what will happen throughout the year.
- Use lots of hands-on manipulative activities: artwork, science experiments, field trips, centers, games, etc. Research proves that we learn best by doing.
- Always acknowledge the input of students. Let them know that they are partners in their learning.
- Decorate the classroom with student work.
- Let the students know what is expected of them, as well as how they will be evaluated all of the time.
Child Development
Every child is unique and so too is their development. Not every child learns in the same way, therefore, teachers must vary their teaching strategies to accommodate all children in his/her classroom.
- You must answer to all levels of learning in your class.
Here is a list of strategies that I use in my classroom to address this issue:
Centers with enrichment activities to enhance the curriculum.
Challenging activities for those that are gifted in the class.
Individual instruction and assessment for those who are not meeting grade level standards.
A variety of teaching strategies to accommodate visual, audio, and tactile learners. (Manipulatives, cassettes, videos, pictures, visual aids, etc.)
A holistic environment where the children can set their own pace for learning within a framework designed by the teacher.
Discipline and Classroom Management
Decide on classroom rules and acceptable behavior together, at the beginning of the year. Once this has been established, you must enforce them consistently throughout the year.
- Model both the behavioral and academic behaviors you would like in your class.
- Use teamwork and cooperative learning.
- Set high standards of performance – have high expectations of the students, and trust that they will meet them.
- Assure that the teaching strategies being used meet the needs of all students.
- Have a well organized day, so that the children are always on task.
Instructional and Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies are a very important part of any classroom. Assessment should be a part of the day-to-day work and enhance, rather than interrupt, learning.
Here is a list of strategies I use in my classroom:
Anecdotal records, daily observations, peer/teacher conferences, projects (individual and group), participation in class, portfolios, self and group evaluations, quizzes and tests, student-led parent conferences, oral presentations, class work and homework.
- A variety of instructional strategies is a necessity in teaching.
Here is a list of strategies that I use in my classroom:
Modeling, hands-on activities (art projects, manipulatives, science experiments), visual aids, centers, group work, research projects, science fairs, students teaching students, field trips and guest speakers, role plays, skits, author’s chair, reader’s theatre, games, journals, writing folders.
I have found that a variety of teaching and assessment strategies allows for more success among your students. As I said before, all children are different, they will excel in different areas of your class.
Special Talents and Abilities – Related Experience
As a child, I was involved in a great many things and have always been involved with teaching. I taught Figure Skating, Softball and Children’s Liturgy.
Computer literacy
Fluently bilingual – I can teach in a Francophone, an Immersion or an Anglophone school.
Basic sign language skills
Artistic and creative
Methodology courses in all subject areas
Experience teaching Grades 2,3,4,5 & 6
