Teaching Philosophy - Pedagogy

*To read my research on high stakes testing, please visit the link below:

https://sites.google.com/site/highstakestestingthornemasters/

Philosophy

I am eager to bring intermediate and secondary students into the twenty-first century using a unique combination of education experience, a well immersed background in French as a second language, and hands-on technology education.


I believe that extracurricular activity strengthens and supports learning in the classroom. Leading by example, I take many initiatives to immerse myself in extracurricular experiences, many of which involve educating children. I am a coordinator for the Kids Eat Smart Breakfast Program at MDJH. I have immersed myself in extracurricular activities including Skills Canada Lego Robotics, MATE Underwater ROV Robotics, Computers for Schools, and various varsity athletics including: Rugby, Wrestling, Track and Field, and Ball Hockey. In March 2010, I was manager of the Gold-Medal-Winning Boys Wrestling Team at the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. I was an organizer for the 2010 Avalon Regional Track and Field Tournament. I am also very interested and supportive of the school music program and I have organized lunch time concerts for students in support of outside charities. 

I have a strong interest in different cultures and traveling. This is exemplified by my choice to teach French Immersion, my position as instructor and counselor at a French and English summer camp with international campers in Quebec, and my travels throughout Europe in spring 2008. I was also actively involved in the Education (Intermediate/Secondary) Class of 2009 Society as Co-Vice President where I initiated and organized a book drive for schools in the community. I currently hold a permanent position at MDJH teaching Science and Sciences Humaines in the immersion program. I've held replacement positions at Mount Pearl Senior High and at Carbonear Collegiate. My internship was at Bishops College Spring, 2009. From these positions I have experience teaching early immersion and core French language arts courses, Technology courses, History, Geography, Career Education, and Health. I have participated in numerous Professional Development sessions, notably the 2013 NLTA Biennial General Meeting.






The reality of teaching is that it can be very challenging. Despite these challenges however, there are still opportunities for success. The implementation of Differentiated Instruction into the classroom is a way to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to succeed.  The success of D.I is that it allows all students an opportunity to work to their own abilities, rather than falling short or easily surpassing a set list of expectations for that particular age group.  

Teachers must keep in mind the understanding that student differences not only include their abilities and learning difficulties, but also everything from their culture, to language, to readiness to learn, to support systems (Tomlinson & Imbeau, 2010, p. 14).  Therefore, teachers must tailor the content to each of their knowledge backgrounds, and must continually evolve these plans in order to meet the learner’s needs.  Tomlinson & Imbeau suggest that teachers should ask the question, “What does this student need at this moment in order to be able to progress with this key content, and what do I need to do to make that happen” (2010, p. 14)?

Tomlinson, C. A, & Imbeau, M.  (2010).  Leading and managing a differentiated classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.



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