Improving classrooms through teamwork and personal connections.

I am an AACPS: Kindergarten Teacher, Broadneck Elementary School | Alum, Severna Park High School ’83 | 2015 Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist

TEAM Claborn Rocks! There is no…me, me, me… or I, I, I! It is WE, WE, WE! This joyful mantra of collaborative teamwork shines vividly in my diverse community of learning.

As I reflect upon my Philosophy of Education, I realize it has grown, changed, and continues to evolve with each unique group of children who enter my classroom. I truly believe that celebrating individual differences in a collaborative environment cultivates success for every student. With my boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm, I use varied teaching strategies and Multiple Intelligence techniques to quickly identify each child’s exclusive learning style; thus empowering me to create rigourous differentiated instruction that meets the varied levels of the children in my class. For me, utilizing numerous methods of instruction to support all learners, especially my special needs and ELL children is essential. Providing children with high expectations, attainable goals, and a strong foundation of learning techniques ensures each child will achieve daily success.

As an educator, I am honored to facilitate and share my innate “gift of teaching.”I utilize my creativity, passion, patience, flexibility, and innovativeness as my class and I embark on the grand adventure of learning. Throughout the journey we celebrate each other’s daily efforts, strengths, and achievements. My classrooms “home away from home” atmosphere cultivates a positive feeling. I share my family and experiences with my students in order to create personal connections with each of their families. I encourage and welcome parents to become a part of our classroom to promote my “We are a team” approach. I want the parents to know that together we’ll empower their children to experience a love-of-learning and academic success.

Upon entering “My Adventure to learning” classroom door each morning. I envision the joys,challenges, and endless opportunities to facilitate the children’s ability to discover, grow,and shine. It’s imperative for me to remember that a smile, a pat on the back, or even a big round of applause motivates the children. I have found success and enjoyed celebrating individual differences while teaching my students to work as a team. Inspiring children to learn is a gift that I feel humbled and grateful to share.

                                                                    Meredith Claborn