My philosophy on teaching is deeply rooted. I have an innate desire to teach; I am passionate and enthusiastic about learning, and about sharing knowledge. I believe that it is every student’s right to learn something new every day, to feel safe and accepted in their learning environment, and that it is the teacher’s responsibility to hold students accountable for their learning and behavior while fostering a positive and effective learning environment for all students.
I grew up in North Bend, WA--yes, the one famous for it's Outlet Mall. Believe it or not, that area used to be a dairy farm! As a child, I spent a lot of time with my family hiking and fishing, working in the yard around our home, and doing craft projects. I also LOVED reading--one of my parents read to me and my sister every night at bedtime. Growing up in a family where literacy was important certainly gave me an advantage in school, and is probably where my love for learning and teaching truly developed.
During middle and high school, I participated in jazz band, concert band and choir. Being a part of these groups allowed me to express myself while taking ownership in something more than just academic classes. Music was a fun and exciting outlet for me, and is something I am still passionate about. While I wasn't playing the saxophone or singing in the choir, I was babysitting for one of the several families I worked for or attending youth group activities. In high school, I also had the opportunity to work for the local SnoFalls Credit Union. I was the high school branch manager, and was responsible for the other four staff members, and making sure everything ran according to bank regulations. In the middle of my senior year, I applied to and was accepted at Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, WA. My plan at that time was to major in Psychology to work as a family counselor, although, I also considered studying music.
When I began my undergrad courses at CWU, it quickly became apparent that the Psychology major was not going to suit--it was too clinical for me, and to think that I wouldn't be able to work in my field for 8+ years was just too much! I decided shortly after that: the place for me was in the Education Department. I developed a strong sense of self in the years I spent at CWU, and was able to build many strong relationships with fellow colleagues as well as professors. When I wasn't attending class, volunteering, or doing homework, I worked for the CWU Public Safety Department as an office assistant. This job taught me many valuable skills, including working with highly classified information, as well as diffusing angry individuals in a professional and sensitive manor. In Fall 2009, I completed my student teaching at Selah Junior High in 9th grade English with Heidi Rikard. I graduated with my BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading, December 2009.
Since completing my student teaching, I have continued to substitute teach with Selah School District. In September 2010, I accepted an administrative position with A+ Advantage Point Learning, a Supplemental Education Service Provider based out of Portland, OR. In this position, I have had the opportunity to work with many students with diverse academic and socio-economic challenges. It has been my responsibility in this position to liaise with families, school district personnel, and to hire qualified staff to provide tutoring services. While I have enjoyed working in this position over the past 9 months, I have learned that my heart is in teaching, and would love to have my own classroom. After coming to this decision, I decided it was crucial to further my education. In February 2011, I took the WEST-E to become Highly Qualified in English/Language Arts, and have started the process of filing this paperwork with OSPI. I am also planning to eventually earn my Master's Degree, possibly in Literacy or English/Language Arts.
In my spare time, besides reading and studying, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband, Nate, and our tabby-cat, Oreo. I enjoy cooking, baking and doing craft projects: quilting and knitting are my favorites! Someday I hope to open a bakery that I can work at during the summertime when I am not teaching.
I look forward to the exciting things to come, and invite you to email me with any questions you may have about my education and background. Thanks for taking the time to view my portfolio!
Kelly
When I began my undergrad courses at CWU, it quickly became apparent that the Psychology major was not going to suit--it was too clinical for me, and to think that I wouldn't be able to work in my field for 8+ years was just too much! I decided shortly after that: the place for me was in the Education Department. I developed a strong sense of self in the years I spent at CWU, and was able to build many strong relationships with fellow colleagues as well as professors. When I wasn't attending class, volunteering, or doing homework, I worked for the CWU Public Safety Department as an office assistant. This job taught me many valuable skills, including working with highly classified information, as well as diffusing angry individuals in a professional and sensitive manor. In Fall 2009, I completed my student teaching at Selah Junior High in 9th grade English with Heidi Rikard. I graduated with my BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading, December 2009.
Since completing my student teaching, I have continued to substitute teach with Selah School District. In September 2010, I accepted an administrative position with A+ Advantage Point Learning, a Supplemental Education Service Provider based out of Portland, OR. In this position, I have had the opportunity to work with many students with diverse academic and socio-economic challenges. It has been my responsibility in this position to liaise with families, school district personnel, and to hire qualified staff to provide tutoring services. While I have enjoyed working in this position over the past 9 months, I have learned that my heart is in teaching, and would love to have my own classroom. After coming to this decision, I decided it was crucial to further my education. In February 2011, I took the WEST-E to become Highly Qualified in English/Language Arts, and have started the process of filing this paperwork with OSPI. I am also planning to eventually earn my Master's Degree, possibly in Literacy or English/Language Arts.
In my spare time, besides reading and studying, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband, Nate, and our tabby-cat, Oreo. I enjoy cooking, baking and doing craft projects: quilting and knitting are my favorites! Someday I hope to open a bakery that I can work at during the summertime when I am not teaching.
I look forward to the exciting things to come, and invite you to email me with any questions you may have about my education and background. Thanks for taking the time to view my portfolio!
Kelly
