User:Kshep009

Kelly Shepherd

Location:

I currently reside in the quaint city of Radford, VA

Education:

A.A.& S. General Studies, New River Community College, Dublin, VA

B.S. Social Science, Radford University, Radford, VA

About Myself:

I am currently pursing licensure in Elementary Education at Old Dominion University

I have recently married the most wonderful man in the world

I enjoy nature and all it has to offer

I ride my bicycle whenever I get the chance

Personal Credo:

"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it", -Charles R. Swindoll

Educational Philosophy:

As a future educator I hope to create a fun and meaningful learning environment for my students. I would like to assist students in becoming autonomous learners, so I plan on using the PAR framework in my lessons. I hope to incorporate technology in the classroom on a daily basis so that my students and I remain technology literate. I believe that students can learn from their peers, so students should be grouped in a hierarchy of learning ability. The group should consist of 3 students, one being an exceptional student, the other would be an average student, and lastly the other group member would be a below average student. Pre-test and previous grades would be the measure for group placement. In a group setting students can help one another learn by sharing their knowledge of the subject to complete assignments.

I am a supporter of full inclusion in the classroom. I believe that every student should have equal opportunity in education. I cannot assume to know what someone else can think, see, or hear. For that reason, students with special needs should not be excluded from regular classroom activities. Will I regret my stand on full inclusion - probably. I do not think school districts have enough money and resources for full inclusion to work properly in the classroom.

I hope to create a classroom environment that is knowledgeable, cultured, and empathetic to their fellow students. I would like to see students care about their classmates, not make fun of them. I plan to teach students about different cultures so that they may have a better understanding of the world. Lastly, I want my students to become knowledgeable in the content areas being taught. I hope they are able to take a piece of my classroom with them as they grow older.

Kelly, Love the picture! Looks like you'll be an educator who will dive right in and help her students. I know very little about the concept of inclusion but agree with your thoughts on creating a learning environment where children are "empathetic to their fellow students." Grouping children of differing abilities is an interesting idea. They would learn from each other, more than just the content of the lesson. Some may appreciate having a leadership role in the group, some will grasp ideas better when presented by a peer, but all will come away from the group with a greater understanding and appreciation of one another. This would remove boundaries.

Krobi036 (talk) 15:03, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Well hello Kelly! Nice pic, but next time you might want to use the snorkel so you dont have to hold your breath!  ; ) I think you have some very interesting ideas for your educational philosophy. It would be interesting to see if your theory on breaking the groups into strong, average, and weak links is truly beneficial to all three?! Being empathetic/curtious to others in the classroom is also very important and hopefully your students will take these virtues with them outside the classroom. Anyways, seems like you are on your way to a successful teaching experience. Good luck to you! GageGkapp001 (talk) 22:28, 12 September 2008 (UTC)