JILLIAN PEARSON
Enjoy My Site
"Teaching is like nurturing a crop"
My Truths
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Hello all, my name is Jillian Pearson and I am a Chico State student majoring in Liberal Studies. I am so excited to begin my teaching career. Teaching runs in my family; my mom is on her 32nd year and has truly inspired me to carry on the role she has exhibited. I was born and raised in a small farming community where our values and morals shine brightly. I grew up riding and raising horses (still do today), raising sheep, pigs, and cattle in 4-H and FFA so I learned at a very young age what the true definition of responsibility means and how to care for something other than myself. My nurturing character has now carried me into my professional life and I can't wait to influence young minds! My compassion for others is a quality that I believe will help transform me into the teacher I strive to be.
HELPFUL WEBSITES
brain pop.com
Brainpop is a colorful website that allows tips and tricks for a wide variety of activities and lesson planning. There are seven sections that are used to guide you, depending on what you're looking for. Those include: science, social studies, English, math, arts and music, health, and engineering and technology.
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pics4learning.com
Also another great website that has a tremendous library filled with free curated images. Teachers and students all have access to this website and can add so much to their lesson plans, assignments, projects, etc. This site is easy to navigate and will definitely be helpful.
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MY THOUGHTS ON WRITING...SO FAR
When reading children's writing, look past their spelling and grammar and focus on the message and knowledge they're portraying. Allow students the time to "make stuff" during a routine writing workshop. Talk to your students... A LOT. The more you talk to them, the more subjects they can think about and ultimately write about. Give your students paper and writing tools and allow them the opportunity to be creative and independent. Allow enough time for students to write, it's crucial that they gain experience. Finally, let your students find a writing process that works best for THEM.
REFLECTIVE THINKING AND LEARNING
Why is it important for teachers to understand the demographics of their students? Why do we need to pay attention to diverse populations in our schools and classrooms?
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Teachers should be aware of all of their students' demographics and pay attention to diverse populations in our schools and classrooms, not only to understand where they come from but to make sure they are being respectful to all cultures. If teachers are unaware, they can easily offend their students without even knowing they've done so. As teachers we should want each student to feel cared about and accepted by us, no matter what religion they are or social class. Having diverse cultures in a class and within a school provides so many learning opportunities for everyone. Cultures should be celebrated and talked about, especially if we expect staff and students to treat each other with kindess.
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Why is it important to build a sense of community in today’s classroom? How does this relate to classroom management?
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As teachers, it's our responsibility to set the tone for our classroom. We want our students to feel safe, accepted, and welcomed without judgment. In doing so, we have to create an environment that includes all of these elements. If every student feels equally involved and included, a sense of community will emerge and students will not only feel safe to be themselves but they will befriend students that they never thought they would have beforehand. We want our students to collaborate and communicate in ways that will result in everyone having a successful learning experience. Being able to build a sense of community in your classroom all boils down to the teacher's classroom management skills.
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Based on your classroom observations and readings, describe some of the important ideas that you understand about effective teaching and learning?
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Based on the observations that I've done, the readings I've read, and the classes I've taken thus far, I have learned many important ideas about what effective teaching and learning should look like. It's crucial that our teaching is consistent and routine. We should be constantly assessing our students to make sure that they are comprehending the material and making sure our teaching styles vary so that every student is able to learn. As teachers, we have to adjust to our students and make sure that they feel supported and understood. We also have to build a solid community within our classrooms in order for teaching and learning to be effective.
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Analyze your reflections and describe why teaching is the profession for you. Consider the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be effective in this profession and your goodness of fit. Refer to your beliefs about learning as well as any theories that resonate with you.
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It took me a couple years out of high school to really figure out what I wanted to "be when I grew up." I explored different avenues with jobs and college but had yet to feel a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction in my professional life. Fortunately I happened to have a great conversation with an old mentor of mine, and she asked me why I wasn't a teacher. I took a few days and processed what she had said, and asked myself that same question. I have a passion for people, especially young children and I've always appreciated education and the art of learning something new.
I want to teach young students of all shapes, sizes, and color. I want to be the type of teacher that students are excited to learn from. I want to teach children ages 4-6 because it's the beginning of their educational journey, and I want that first experience to set the tone for their years to come. Children at this age are excited to learn, have no preconceived judgments, and speak their minds. Children want to explore, think, and dream. I will motivate my students to use their imaginations and never be afraid to "play." In order to be effective in this profession, teachers must be patient, observant, accepting, kind and warm. Teachers must open their arms widely to their students' cultures and personalities and always be willing to put in the time that's needed. Teachers also need to create an environment that's safe, and inducive to learning. I truly believe in Bandura's Social Learning Theory; children are constantly observing, that's why it's crucial that teachers are modeling a behavior that is acceptable for children. Teachers must treat students with the respect that they themselves want in return. The time I spent observing in a transitional kindergarten class, truly solidified my reasoning as to why I want to teach. I look forward to this challenging, yet rewarding journey.
