Lisa Elliott
I am an AACPS: Teacher, Point Pleasant Elementary School | 2020 Teacher of the Year Honoree
As I reflect back on my 32 years of teaching, the word that immediately comes to my mind which best describes my philosophy of teaching is RIGOR. I believe that every student should be challenged through the use of differentiated instruction, high teacher expectations and empathy. Students come to the classroom with their own individual strengths and areas needing improvement. I believe that a teacher’s challenge is to find the best in each student and highlight the positive, while gently yet rigorously providing a challenging classroom environment. I have consistently strived for a structured classroom through the use of positive behavior strategies which include building close interpersonal relationships between students themselves and student/teacher relationships. A visitor to my classroom would experience a mix of whole group and small group instruction, reteaching/intervention groups as needed and opportunities for enrichment activities. I believe that flexible grouping allows for rigorous instruction to be infused in all areas of the curriculum. One of my favorite ways to meet curriculum requirements and allow for individual student differences is through the use of AVID strategies. I am able to tier activities and assignments by giving students a variety of AVID choices in order for them to meet with success. Students are also encouraged to use technology in my classroom for reinforcement, enrichment, and researching opportunities. I believe that by maintaining a rigorous and positive classroom environment I have been able to limit classroom disruptions. My students are actively involved in their own learning by personal goal setting and time management skills with guidance from me. I firmly believe that students are motivated to come to school when they are provided with a nurturing environment where they are able to take risks and express their own ideas. In conclusion, I strongly feel that by incorporating a mix of differentiated instruction, high teacher expectations, as well as empathy I have consistently provided rigorous learning opportunities as an Anne Arundel County elementary educator.
