Heather: Morton Grove tutor

Certified Tutor

Teaching young minds is a task that cannot be taken lightly. It is full of challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities. However, it is a task that is also full of excitement, wonder, and joy. I strongly believe that all children are capable of learning and increasing their talents and intelligences, if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers. As a teacher I need to be aware of learning, motivation, behavior, and development theories in order to relate to my students and push them to reach their full potential. I am continually searching for new ideas through professional development as well as my own research, to better help my students become the best students they can be. It is my duty to see that all my students are being motivated; this is only fair to the students. They deserve my time and full attention in regards to their education.
I also want to create a classroom that is a safe learning environment for all. If students do not feel safe in my classroom, whether it is emotionally, physically, or socially, their defense systems will go up and learning will greatly decrease, if not shut down all together. I strive to have a classroom that each and every one of my students feels safe in, not only to listen and learn from myself, but to also express their own opinions and experiences so that they can learn from each other. It is important to me that my students, as well as their parents, other teachers, administrators, and people in the community, see me as someone they can approach, who will be fair and nondiscriminatory.
Lesson organization is also a key concept to consider when teaching. If students are participating in a lesson that is unorganized or set up in a way which hinders learning, it is not a good situation for anyone. Strong classroom procedures are key in maximizing instructional time and keeping students on task. I am continually looking for creative, new ways to have my lessons set up and to help my students learn. I also believe in teaching content that is meaningful, applicable, and inviting to students. With every lesson I teach, students are given very explicit examples of how the information they are learning that day will help them in their every day lives as they grow up. If students feel a disconnect to the material they are learning in class, they are less likely to stay engaged and active in the classroom. If they do not see the point of the subject matter then they will not be interested in it.
Lastly, I believe that high energy levels and a positive attitude from the teacher are key elements to a successful learning environment. To be a good role model for students goes beyond being successful, kind and caring. Teachers must also have a positive attitude in order to show their students that learning can be fun and exciting. Creating joy in the classroom is something that can turn an ordinary classroom into something extraordinary. Students deserve to receive the best education possible regardless or race, socioeconomic class, or age, and that must include joy in the classroom.