Teaching Philosophy

Why do I teach? I believe that I was called to teach. A calling I strive to create everyday with love and imagination.

I want to be that teacher who, even after decades in the classroom, still leaves each day asking how might I be a better teacher tomorrow. How to better engage and inspire my students. As a first grade teacher I strive to engage, challenge, and inspire growth in all my students. It is my belief that every child is capable of learning.

I truly believe that every child should have the right to learn and get a quality education. Every child that enters into this classroom will feel safe and comfortable. It will be an environment full of nurturing and enriching activities and conversation. As your child's first grade teacher I will be aware of my students' emotional, social, psychological, and physical development as well as their cognitive growth. I will view parents and community members as true parents in the educational process. You are your child's very first teacher. We will work together to provide a stable environment to provide a motivational framework for each learning opportunity. Similarly, interaction within the community provides rich, multicultural experiences to young minds. This will include guest readers, outside activities, field trips and other community experiences that as a first grade teacher, I am expected to provide.

Individualized instruction is an integral strategy to aid children with different learning preferences. In order to meet individual challenges, lessons must be structured into a learning mode by incorporating auditory, kinesthetic, and visual techniques. Applying a variety of approaches to the learning process is equally important, Use of cooperative learning strategies, guided individual instruction and the use of instructional technology are all necessary to provide an environment where children will use self-discovery and a hands-on approach to learning.

Learning is a means of assessment, assessment drives instruction. Assessment resembles good instruction when it occurs during typical learning activities. In order to facilitate learning I will involve students in the process of assessment by showing them rubrics of their work, giving them a self-check and self-evaluation exercise, and have them learn self-appraisal, This will help students develop the ability to judge their own accomplishment and to set goals for themselves.

Learning should be fun and exciting! My classroom will be an inviting and safe place where children will feel safe and comfortable.

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait until I meet my new fireflies this year. I know they are going to make first grade shine!

Lisa Dodd, 1st Grade Teacher