Photo by Tony Lewis, Jr.
Kent School, Chestertown
Years Teaching Overall: 23
Years Teaching at Kent School: 20
Currently teaching: 1st grade - Reading/Language Arts, Math, and Science/
Social Studies
Proudest teaching moment: “I do not think I can single out just one moment. I am fortunate enough to work with children as a part of their individual journey, so I find the most joy in their victories, both large and small. There is nothing like watching a child’s face light up with pride when he or she has achieved a goal or overcome a challenge. Those are the moments that mean the most to me.”
Teaching Philosophy: “I believe that first graders deserve to learn in a place that is safe and welcoming, where their days are filled with learning that is relevant, challenging, and fun. My goal is to provide students with the opportunities and experiences necessary for them to become courageous, persistent, and thoughtful problem-solvers who readily accept a challenge.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “In my opinion, the effective and appropriate use of technology in the classroom is the toughest challenge facing many early childhood educators. The conundrum of preparing students for the 21st century, while not contributing to their ever-increasing hours of screen time each day, is a difficult one to address. I am fortunate to work in a school with 1:1 iPads for all lower school students, so the technology is there and readily available. However, I try not to use technology just for technology’s sake. Rather, I strive to integrate it into my class in ways that naturally enhance the lesson or contribute to learning in ways that other methods or mediums cannot. Technology has its place in the classroom, but it needs to be purposefully integrated and should not be used to replace the more real-world, hands-on experiences that our youngest learners need to understand the world around them.”
