Advocate for Early Literacy

I am a huge advocate for early literacy. I feel that we should teach our children to not only read the words, but understand what they are reading. I think as teachers it is our responsibility to help children to become happy, productive citizens. I think we have hacked away at so many of the arts in order to fill the order for basic academics, and by doing so, we have taken away the enrichment of learning for students. I think that technology is a great opening for students, however I also think that there is nothing more enjoyable than reading and coming up with the scenes and depicting moods on your own. I think children need the freedom of natural curiosity and imagination that can be enhanced through reading.

Camp S.M.I.L.E

The experiences I had at Camp S.M.I.L.E shaped who I am today. Camp was a place that I would volunteer my time during the summers as a councelor for special needs people. It was a one on one experience that changed how I thought, what I believed, and definitely how I felt towards others.

My experiences as a teacher.........

I have a Bachlors of Science in Early Childhood Human Development from the University of Alabama. I completed my internship for my field at the University Child Development Center were we taught two to four year old children with the Montessori method. I was very interested in teaching through hands on activities and being guided through the interests of the children. I feel that I learned a lot from this experience and hope to incorporate these ideas into my classroom.

Teaching Philosophy
Amanda Norwood

My Philosophy contains values that I think are important for not only myself but for my students. I have chosen values that are important for any teacher to have a happy, successful classroom. I think my personal development as a teacher will improve with these values.
I chose the “Importance of Core Subjects” because I believe that in order to succeed every child should obtain mastery of all subjects. I want to help students gain mastery through an active learning environment. I want to be able to link subjects like math and science to history and reading. I want the children to relate what they learn in class to their everyday lives.
I am a firm believer in “Consistency”. I believe in doing exactly what you say you will do, every time. I want the children to know what I expect from them and what they should expect from me. Classroom management depends on consistency of the teacher.
“Personal Development” is, in my opinion, when a person learns and grows from knowledge and past mistakes. I want to take the time to reflect on my achievements and failures in the classroom in order to enhance my teaching style. . I want to make my worst subject my student’s favorite subject. I want to collaborate with my fellow professionals in order to appreciate an array of different teaching styles and apply them to my classroom as needed.
I pride myself on my “Creativity” and hope to use this attribute to find interesting ways to teach and create an exceptional learning environment for my students. I hope my students look forward to coming to class because they know that it will stretch their imaginations and bond their base knowledge with new information.
My final value I plan to take with me to the classroom is “Commitment”. I will be totally devoted to my students need for knowledge. I want my students to know that I am committed to their achievement.