I am a science teacher from Georgia and I say that learning can be fun! I began teaching high school but have taught middle school as well, covering everything from biology (my personal favorite) to oceanography. I am certified in Georgia as well as California, and I believe that each child is a different type of learner - the most important part of that statement being that every child IS a learner. It might not always be easy, but it can definitely be done.
Differentiation is key, and that's why I employ various teaching methods to appeal to learners of all varieties. After all, variety is the spice of life. I especially enjoy creating games, quests, activities, and visual aids that “trick” children into learning. I also place special emphasis on critical thinking skills, which can be applied in the classroom and life; as the saying goes, you can give a child the solution to one problem, but if you teach a child to think things through logically, then he or she can solve problems forever! Well, I think the original saying had to do with a man and a fish, but I think that you catch my drift.
My favorite thing about teaching is getting children to realize their amazing potential. Considering that the first years of my teaching career were spent with amazing students from low socio-economic and sometimes violent/traumatic backgrounds, I quickly found out that many students, no matter their circumstances, are not aware of the heights of academic success that they can achieve. Furthermore, many of them do not even believe that they are capable of such successes. The best feelings I have ever experienced in education were when my students came to me and told me, “Ms. Hurt! Look what I did!” indicating some test they’d passed or some other outstanding accomplishment. I began to live for those moments, and also for the moments when I could see in a student’s face that the proverbial light bulb had just come on. I want to continue to spread that belief and confidence in students.
In closing, I love to learn and I love to help others learn, no matter the age group. I am here to help, and I look forward to meeting you and your child!
