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“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

-Aristotle

Welcome to my E-Portfolio! This site showcases my experience, philosophy of education and some of my classroom work.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Cell: 724.771.4769
Email: rossnr22@wclive.westminster.edu

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I graduated from Westminster College in December 2018.  I am certified in the general education classroom in grades kindergarten through 4th, and special education kindergarten through 8thgrade.  Westminster has provided me with multiple classroom settings in both general education and special education. Working in kindergarten, 4thgrade, autistic support, and learning support settings has given me insight to the different aspects of education.  I strive to combine different learning strategies across my experience.

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Philosophy of Education

I believe that education is the foundation for life.  As a teacher, we shape the lives of our future leaders, doctors, and global citizens.

I promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills that students will use not only in the classroom but through their lives.

I strive to create a classroom that is inclusive, safe, and culturally responsive. Students need to have a learning environment that fosters a safe space for thinking and making mistakes.

Education should be collaborative effort between teachers, peers, families, and the community.  Working together and using community resources in an important part of creating new and effective educational strategies.

I encourage students to be creative.  I teach them how to question, problem solve, and think on their own. These skills they will take with them beyond elementary school walls. Challenging students creates meaningful learning experiences.

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Evans City Elementary School, Seneca Valley, Evans City, PA

General Education Student Teaching                                                                          Fall 2018

· Created unique units and lessons

·  Accompanied 50, 4thgraders to a field trip at Phipps Conservatory

· Helped create an inclusive environment in a general education classroom

Trafford Elementary School, Trafford, PA

K-5 Learning Support Field Experience                                                                       January 2018

· Assisted lead teacher in emotional and behavioral support of students

· Utilized Reading Direct Instruction one-on-one

· Redirected students to get back on task

West Middlesex Elementary School,West Middlesex, PA

Practicum, Kindergarten Class                                                                                          Fall 2017

· Designed and instructed lessons on mathematics, writing, and reading

· Created a social studies unit on Thanksgiving

· Authored parent newsletter and submitted family surveys

· Assisted students while in small groups

· Participated in parent-teacher conferences

Trafford Elementary School, Trafford, PA

4 th Grade General Education Field Experience                                                      January 2017

· Created a bulletin board on mathematic riddles

· Planned and taught spelling and social studies lessons and administered tests

· Created math centers for small group work

Ben Franklin, New Castle, PA

Pre-Kindergarten Practicum                                                                                                  March 2016

· Created and administered an original circle time activity

· Interacted with students during free play time

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In our second math unit my students created their own array art piece. When they were all completed I hung them outside of our classroom and we did a gallery walk collecting data about factors, along with prime and composite numbers.

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Math 3 act task lesson, using Krispy Kreme resources.

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This was my addition to my student teaching placement. We used this board to help students interact with each other, but to also get students to thinking deeper about characters in their reading. The shout out board has many uses, each with their own unique benefits.

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In my general education student teaching placement I created a reading 'I-Chart' for students to refer too. This helps them track their thinking while they read, becoming more intense readers.

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For my classroom I created a system so that they could recommend 'just right books' to their classmates.

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4th grade writing lesson on revision while writing narrative stories.

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Dr. Sararose Lynch

Advisor & Professor of Education, Westminster College

Phone: 304.483.0190

Kristen Schlemmer

Evan City Elementary School Teacher,

Student Teaching Cooperating Teacher

Phone: 724.601.6084

Alicia Danenberg

Catham Arts and Music Day Camp Director

Phone: 412.477.7370