A little about the class...
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that education in an ever-growing field with endless possibles to explore. As an educator, I am constantly learning new strategies for the success of my students. The goal with every method I use in my classroom is to meet the needs of each individual student, all the while challenging them to their highest potential. I encourage each child's unique qualities and strive to allow each student to use those attributes for their own success. I believe in a differentiated classroom, which basically boils down to the fact that every one learns differently, and should be taught accordingly. What a lack-luster and underachieving class it would be if everyone was taught with the assumption that we are all the same. We are all different people, and different learners. What a great thing to embrace! I believe this part of what will create a positive learning environment. I can't emphasize the importance of a positive and safe environment for students to think and learn. In Ms Russell's class , everyone is someone, everyone matters, everyone is strong, everyone can reach my high exceptions, everyone deserves the best education, and everyone is cherished. I am a champion for each student, and believe they are destined for great things. It is my joy to watch students reach the potential they all hold inside of them.
Remind.com Sign Up Info
Remind is a safe way for teachers, students, and parents to communicate. By signing up I will be able to send out reminders to parents and students with out having to share phone numbers. It is a tool for me to let you know when assignments are due, if school is going to cancelled for bad weather, or any other reminders that will helpful. Students are also able to message their teachers through Remind if they need any help on assignments after the school day has ended. I highly encourage parents and students to sign up!
Here is how:
Text your class periods code to "81010"
3rd Period - @a2feff
4th Period - @7gc28k
5th Period - @cfgbfd
6th Period - @488b4
7th Period - @bkkkh
Here is how:
Text your class periods code to "81010"
3rd Period - @a2feff
4th Period - @7gc28k
5th Period - @cfgbfd
6th Period - @488b4
7th Period - @bkkkh
Syllabus
Here you can see how students' grades will be weighted, materials they will need, how to contact me, and a brief look into the classroom. You may notice the "rules" section is blank. That was very intentional on my end. Not to worry though, parents, there will be classroom rules. However, I believe that if students are to understand the rules, they should have a part in creating them. That's right students, we will be making the rules together! After all, being a history teacher, I should reflect the democracy I rave on and on about.
Behavior Plan
Here you will see how I plan to manage students' behavior in a positive and structured manner.
Education
I graduated from Martin High School (yes, I did indeed attend Young Junior High as a student back in the day) before going on to attended Stephen F. Austin State University, among the beautiful piney woods. While there I obtained my degree in History and Secondary Education. I earned the following certifications along my path as an educator: History Education grades 8-12, Social Studies Education grades 7-12, English Language Learners Education, and Gifted and Talented Education.
Classroom Operations
I am eager to inform you that the History department here at Young will be transitioning to a Project Based Learning classroom. In a nutshell, this means students will be the center of their own learning through discovery of knowledge and a creation of what they leaned along the way. This is not me standing up lecturing students with history facts and expecting them to memorize everything I say. In this new generation, I believe students learn best by doing. They will learn life long skills such as collaboration (wooo group work!), autonomy (although group work is beneficial, students will be assessed on their individual contributions to the project), critical thinking and problem solving by developing thought provoking questions and doing well founded research. I believe these skills will help them in all their classes and in their future endeavors, whatever they may be. Then come the fun part! Students will take their research to create a unique product for a real world audience! This builds creativity, that is additionally a valuable skill in any pursuit a student could have.
As wonderful as PBL is, it is not all that this class will consist of (I am estimating it will equate to about half of the classroom learning). This is due to that fact that I believe every student learns differently, as they are all different individuals. In my class, I encourage this uniqueness and teach to it. This is why I try to switch things up as much as I can. It is my ultimate goal that each student is taught in way that makes sense to them personally. Similarly, it is my goal that students be able show their knowledge in this same way. So on days when PBL is not in play, expect the classroom to still be centered around the students. After all, education is all about them, not the teacher.
I know this may confusing and maybe a tad vague. Henceforth, I have attached two links below from people far more articulate than I, for those of you who would like a more in depth explanation. The first video explains the why I use the PBL model in today's progressive society and the second shows some experiences students have had with PBL
As wonderful as PBL is, it is not all that this class will consist of (I am estimating it will equate to about half of the classroom learning). This is due to that fact that I believe every student learns differently, as they are all different individuals. In my class, I encourage this uniqueness and teach to it. This is why I try to switch things up as much as I can. It is my ultimate goal that each student is taught in way that makes sense to them personally. Similarly, it is my goal that students be able show their knowledge in this same way. So on days when PBL is not in play, expect the classroom to still be centered around the students. After all, education is all about them, not the teacher.
I know this may confusing and maybe a tad vague. Henceforth, I have attached two links below from people far more articulate than I, for those of you who would like a more in depth explanation. The first video explains the why I use the PBL model in today's progressive society and the second shows some experiences students have had with PBL