Introduction: Setting Sail

My life as an educator, mother and wife consistently presents challenges and offers many opportunities to change course.  This year, I've been given an opportunity to embark upon a new challenge directly related to my role as an educator.   After spending 17 years in the public school system, gaining experience in teaching grades 1, 3, 5 and 6, coaching basketball, track and cross country, my new role as Professional Development Coordinator/Teaching Assistant has begun at Fairmont State University.

My philosophy of teaching is largely based on a Constructivist approach.  Teachers are facilitators, the student is at the center of learning and accepts the responsibility of learning, and collaborative efforts are encouraged.  Inquiry-based activities are used to hypothesize, collect data, investigate and create final products that represent real-world situations.  Much like a compass guiding ships at sea, a teacher has the responsibility of guiding students through their individual life-courses.