User:Milr26

General Info I am Beth Miller and I have been living in Newport News, VA for about 9 years. I am originally from Jersey, however, I am from South Jersey (outside of Philly) so I do not talk like the characters on the Sopranos and “which exit” jokes do not apply :-) I have come to appreciate the Tidewater area because its location is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. I earned my BA in fine arts and English from CNU in 2004 and currently teach middle school drama and computer art. I have worked in education for about 13 years doing a variety of jobs: para for SpEd, pre-school/ daycare, tutoring, residential services, and more (I just can’t remember). I never really intended to become a full-time teacher. When I graduated from CNU, I had plans to get my MFA in ceramics from Rochester Institute of Technology. However, my husband and I couldn’t afford the tuition so I ended up getting a provisional license and started teaching again.

Hobbies Backpacking Art Kayaking Photography Biking

Weird Facts I can write with my toes I hate television (my students think this is the weirdest thing about me) I probably know every word to Star Wars (and sound effects) because it’s the best movie ever

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Philosophy of Education (Laughter is Survival)

INTRO

I never really gave much thought to my philosophy of education. I have always had strong opinions about teaching, but an actual philosophy? I'm not too sure. As I mentioned, I got back into teaching by default. My previous experiences left me feeling cynical and frustrated and I had no intention of having a career in education. But here I am teaching middle school art and drama, and I like it (most of the time:-).

Listed below is an outline of my philosophy, as well as some of the strategies I actually use in my classroom. Overall, I think I take more of a student-centered approach to teaching.

LEARNING

I think education should center on learning. Sounds obvious, I know. However, by learning I don’t mean memorizing. I know the frustration teachers feel with regard to NCLB and the SOL tests. I also know that, for most, the frustration isn’t just about extra work, it’s about having to teach to a test. I understand the need for accountability, but I disagree when it is at the expense of student learning. Sadly, I have watched students’ creativity and critical thinking skills suffer because they are learning how to take and pass tests rather than how to think and apply knowledge. Memorizing and dumping isn’t the same as learning and applying. Learning should be a lifelong experience and not for the sole purpose of passing tests.

FOCUS

My classes are centered on the students more than the content. I have a general idea of the projects/ units I am going to assign, but it is only a loose plan and often changes with the dynamics of the classroom. There is a basic structure and routine, but I will alter the lessons if necessary. For example, if the students are particularly “excited” (you know I really mean crazy) then I’m definitely not going to assign them a project that’s going to increase that energy, unless I have the space for them to use it appropriately. To do so, would be unfair to everyone. Because of my experience in SpEd, inclusion isn’t an issue. My subjects are very easy to adapt to all learning styles and needs so I don’t really stress over students that may need additional support.

GROUP PROJECTS AND TEAMWORK

I lecture as little as possible, usually only at the beginning of a new unit or to give instructions. This strategy accomplishes a few things. First, it gives me the opportunity to work with and get to know individual students. It is also a good way to speak with a student privately without it being embarrassing. Second, it teaches them how to work with others and accomplish a task. This fosters communication, cooperation and self-awareness. I emphasize the importance of teamwork and building on each member's strengths. Third, it keeps the students engaged because it's fun!

WE’RE ALL HUMAN

I am a very relaxed teacher. I am kind of lenient which is both a strength and weakness. I’m sarcastic, silly and often laugh at the stupid mistakes I make in the middle of teaching (I don't take myself serious). Because of this, the students often find me amusing – it never hurts to be entertaining! By showing my “human side” there is no intimidation and that creates a trusting and comfortable classroom environment. It also relieves tension during class critiques or serious discussions.

CONNECTING

My biggest goal as a teacher is to make a connection with every single student. I think I am successful because I am always honest with them – even when I would rather lie (luckily, I don’t embarrass easy!). I also genuinely enjoy hearing about their lives. I feel like I am able to connect with them on many different levels: music, movies, sports etc. (everything but TV – I hate TV). I try to support them with their outside interests and listen when they need to talk. Building a connection also makes discipline a little easier because the relationship is built on respect.

RESPECT

All of my students know that my number one rule is Respect. I use this rule to encompass all of the other rules and to teach tolerance. I explain that it also includes my respecting them. This often comes as a surprise, especially to the students that are used to teachers treating them negatively based on past incidents.

I think it is very important for students to learn to accept others even when they are different. I tell them that they don’t have to agree, love, convert, date etc. someone that is different, but they do have to be respectful and tolerant of their differences. I think this is especially important because they need to understand how intolerance can lead to fear, hate, anger and violence. Kids can be cruel, especially in middle school, and bullying is a big problem, so I try to encourage kindness by focusing on respect/ tolerance in my classroom.

LAST WORDS

Overworked and over-exhausted, underpaid and under-appreciated…so why teach?

I really don’t care about grades and other formal aspects of teaching. I don’t really think it matters in the scheme of things. But I do care about exposing students to new information and watching them get excited about it. I am thrilled when they come see me the next year and remind me about something we discussed in class and how it applied to them over the summer. Or, when during the school year, another teacher tells me that her class said they already learned about “that stuff” in Mrs. Miller’s class and they were excited to talk about what they had learned – not memorized, learned!

Most of all, I am happy when I truly make a difference in their lives. I have had several students over the years tell me that I taught them to be kinder and more open to people who are different. Some have told me that I was the only teacher that actually liked them or was patient enough to get to know them. Others just tell me that my class was awesome and they had so much fun.

All of those things make teaching worth it for me. Oh yeah, and middle-schoolers are really funny!