Special education blog

I recently found a blog about special education from Edutopia.org which I think is a credible source of useful information. I have read posts from this publication before and they were all well written and insightful so I'm happy to find they have their very own blog for articles about special education. Often times blog posts about special education tend to be written by mothers of students in special education, which, don't get me wrong, is perfectly a fine and interesting perspective as long as they've at least gone through some sort of editing or review process before being published. I guess I'm a stickler for what I read but I just like to be assured its based on something more than one persons obscure lengthy opinion. That is the beauty of blogs, anyone can write anything on the internet today, which anyone can choose to read or not read. I guess I'm starting to realize I'm not that big of a fan of blogs. They tend to be big, long rants from people who are not professional writers (My blog for example). However, rest assured, I found a blog that I like, and it is about something that I care deeply about, so give it a read.

Technology in education article

Smrt boards, smart students at Cornwalls central public school

This article is about Cornwall public school and their new smart boards. the boards are being implemented in all grade levels in new fun and engaging ways. Teachers from the school are quoted to like how students have adapted to the new boards and even are learning how to use them better than the teachers. often the students are showing the teachers new things that can be done on the smart boards. the article says this is part of the new generation of children who have grown up around computers their whole lives and are not afraid to try new things with them. this is a very interesting insight on the new age of learners who are more technologically literate than ever before. in response to this cornwall elementary has put a major focus on supplying the school with more technology including iPads.

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

To me the most important part of teaching is to keep the students engaged in learning. Other very important aspects of my teaching philosophy include differentiating my instruction to all types of learners, and creating a safe, comfortable and compassionate environment for the students to learn in.

I really believe that you have to care about what you are learning for it to have any real affect on you. As a teacher I would strive to connect my lessons to my students in engaging ways that would help them expand upon previous knowledge to create something new with lasting impact.

I believe all learners are unique. It is important to take into account all of a class’s specific learning styles, strengths, and limitations when planning a lesson to include everyone and encourage them to think in new ways while still supporting their previously mastered functions of learning.

In my experience, some of the worst classrooms I have been in are the ones with poor learning environments, not just physical but emotional environments as well. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable learning environment free of animosity and hurtful comments. Students in my classroom should feel encouraged to participate freely in their learning.

About Me

About Me

Hello, my name is John. I am a student at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, studying Special Education. I love working with people and going on new adventures. I have one younger sister who just recently moved to Janesville to be a social worker! I have a short fat dad and a tall skinny mom. I was born in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 1990. The hospital that I was born in is now a senior living center and I think it would be weird and cool if I died there, but until then I hope to do many awesome things with my life. My hobbies include: listening to music, playing guitar, painting, swimming, wilderness survival, cliff diving, and reading. I hope to one day teach reading or math to high school students with learning disabilities, but I haven’t decided where. My family wants me to stay in Wisconsin but I have many old friends down in Houston, Texas. Some of them are teachers as well. It would be nice to live and work near them again. Other places I have thought about living are, Madison Wisconsin, Twin Cities Minnesota, Chicago Illinois, or maybe even somewhere in Vermont.

Nice to meet you!
goodbye!

Here is a picture of my sister my grandmother and myself.