Philosophy
Effective instruction must occur simultaneously on both a macro and micro levels. The micro level consists of rigorous, goal-oriented, self-reflective classroom instruction. On the macro level, teachers need to provide the structures and framework for the necessary instruction to take place. This occurs through participating in district-wide initiatives and partnering with other teachers and initiatives to establish a philosophical framework to bring best practice instruction into the classroom.
Progress Self-Assessment
Explanation of Artifacts
I designed the CAAEL webpage to provide a place for students to be recognized by their peers, families, and members of the community and to build student self-esteem.
Progress Self-Assessment
Throughout my time at Academy-North high school, I have been active in teaming with other teachers, administration, and the district to bring best practice instruction to the school. In the 2011-2012 school year, I partnered with the district to create and implement the Academy-North SharePoint site, an online tool for providing content management and a for school staff to work together on cooperative projects. I am also an active participant on the uniform committee, which in the 2011-2012 school year has continually refined the dress code in a way that stresses student input, while simultaneously guidelines for dress that emphasize minimizing conflict in and self respect. I also co-lead a technology committee with Amy Laskiewicz, another teacher, to define policy for our students' laptop use. In past years, I have worked with the differentiated instruction committee to provide teachers with a "tool kit" that assists with instruction in the different modalities. I also continue to partner with Craig Hippensteel, the District Web Master, in creation and maintenance of the school web site.
This being said, I am most proud of my work as the Director of CAAEL (the Chicago Area Alternative Education League), and in heading the Recording Club. CAAEL provides students with an opportunity to participate in pro-social sport and academic activities, as they compete against other alternative schools in the Northwest suburbs. Recording club participants work to promote, produce, write an record an album that reflects on their own experiences in overcoming diversity. These activities have had tremendous success in building student self-esteem and creating positive feelings about the school experience.
Explanation of Artifacts
I designed the CAAEL webpage to provide a place for students to be recognized by their peers, families, and members of the community and to build student self-esteem.
The Academy-North web page is designed as a bridge between the school and students and parents. It provides information regarding school programming, activities, teacher web pages, and links students and families to school and classroom content.
Artifact 1:
CAAEL Webpage
Artifact 2:
Artifact 1:
CAAEL Webpage
Artifact 2:
Areas for Future Development
In the 2012-2013 school year, I am pleased to work with the district to launch Infinite Campus at Academy-North, a new district-wide gradebook/ portal which will enhance instruction, provided students with access to classroom content and grades, and improve communication between students and teachers.
In the 2012-2013 school year, I am pleased to work with the district to launch Infinite Campus at Academy-North, a new district-wide gradebook/ portal which will enhance instruction, provided students with access to classroom content and grades, and improve communication between students and teachers.
