Ms. Van Patter's Teaching Portfolio

A passionate, committed and self-motivated educator who is dedicated to creating stimulating and innovative learning environments. Have gained experience working with Special Needs students, and taken numerous higher level courses in Natural Sciences, Technology, Arts, and Ethics.

A lesson is only as good as the planning that went into it. Lessons should be thought out carefully, recorded, and reviewed many times. Every lesson should be aimed at meeting the needs of a diverse group of students who all learn differently. I believe a truly great lesson is one that is enjoyable, hands on, and attends to multiple intelligences. Even well planned lessons can flop, it is important to use any unsuccessful lessons to reflect and re-evaluate. I enjoy sharing my original lesson plans with fellow professionals.

Diversity within the elementary classroom should not be merely tolerated, it should be celebrated! Every student has something invaluable to contribute to the group, and it is my responsibility to ensure that classroom practices support this belief. All of my students are viewed as essential contributors to the entire group. I recognize that everyone learns differently, and I will honour and respect all types of learning styles.

Collaboration between cycle teachers, integration aides, child care workers, resource teacher, community resources, and support staff is the key to acquiring new ideas and improving education for all students. I believe that it is essential for everyone to work as a team by cooperating, negotiating, and team building; just as students are asked to do in the classroom.

An admirable teacher does not only foster the development of her students, but also makes it a number one priority to increase the ongoing development of her own professional capacities. I personally believe in constant and consistent self-evaluation, setting short term and long term goals, attending workshops, and seminars. I choose to be a teacher who does not only expect the best of their students but also of myself.