2007 Teacher of the Year - Region IV

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Region IV: Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year Winner

Alicia M. Newcomb

Hillsborough Academy, Hillsborough County

Teaching Philosophy Statement

More than 1500 years ago the Greek philosopher Diogense Laertius wrote, “The foundation of every stat is the education of its youth.” From these simple words it is apparent that early democratic societies realized the importance of educating children. These great thinkers did not have research studies and trials to prove their theories. Rather, they were thinking men who recognized the innate value of children and education. If we look at the actions of inspiring educators, we find that they also possess this knowledge. Teachers do so much more than give assignments and grade papers. They are the cornerstones of our society and it is their responsibility to insure that there are others prepared to step into the roles that invariably will be left vacant by their predecessors. If those left to rule are inept and uneducated, then the mistakes of the previous generations are destined to permeate the society once again. This is the principle that drives education in my classroom; recognizing the value of each individual and their need to becomes successful members of our advanced society.

It has been my experience that given a safe environment, all children want to and can learn. The greatest gift a teacher can give is not information or assignments; rather it is a classroom where children are free to explore their curiosities. In order for student exploration to occur, it is imperative that I provide avenues for multiple types of learning and communication within the classroom. Frequent communication with students is essential to my effectiveness in the classroom. I routinely provide my students with feedback regarding their performance in class. I am also available to my students to discuss non-academic issues that might be important to them. Building a trusting relationship with students is the first step to creating a safe environment for them to learn and address their individual weaknesses, both academic and personal. I believe that when my students trust me, they will be more willing to meet the very high expectations I place on them.

I believe it is my mission to enhance and preserve my students’ self-esteem. I choose to do this providing positive reinforcement. I consistently recognize progress, either by calling teacher and staff attention to student accomplishments or acknowledging achievements to the whole class. Honor roll and academic achievement lunches are held on a routine basis. My peers, intern, and I have created an honor wall that permanently displays the achievements of my students. Other reinforcements include allowing students to eat lunch in the classroom with me while we listen to music or play board games when they achieve such honors. My favorite immediate form of positive reinforcement is a quick high five.

Effective teaching can only be accomplished when the educator is a master of the field. With that said, it is important to note that we live in a world that changes everyday, requiring that teachers continue to forage for new information. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” I believe that it is imperative to our professional success that teachers remain life-long learners. I demonstrate mastery of subject matter by accurately providing my students with the most current information and problem solving techniques. I am actively involved in the subject area associations, read up on current issues and work collaboratively with my content area peers. Over the past several years I have written many of the Special Diploma Exams that are used in the Math, Science, and Social Studies Departments within our school. I have also written the Biology I semester exam reviews that were distributed by the Science Curriculum Coordinator our colleagues at science department meetings. Most recently, my work on the Integrated Science II (Physical Science / Earth Space Science) exam review was accepted as the only district approved study guide for students throughout our country. I serve as a back up science representative for the curriculum coordinator and attend district meetings and trainings. I have also developed and published an American Revolution Webquest that I use with my American History students. This site asks them to think critically to determine if our forefathers had the right to overthrow the British government. (They did by the way...it is a right given to them by the Magna Carta!)

It must be said that I use a variety of teaching strategies everyday. Technology makes it possible for me to tailor instruction and address the various learning styles within my classroom. Power Point Presentations are utilized to introduce and review concepts. I reinforce these concepts with audio-visual materials. Computers and the Internet augment research assignments and develop higher order thinking skills. Students use word processing software to create original expository and persuasive writing pieces based on their own research. I also have students create their own Power Point Presentations and present them to their peers and my colleagues. Technology is an integral part of the instructional process in my classroom.

The traditional students are offered opportunities to move learning outside the classroom and visit different places intended to excite learners. Music instruction is often neglected for this population as well. We overcome our restrictions by bringing the field trips and music instruction to the classroom. Partnerships have been developed with the University of Florida 4-H department, local Humane Society, Drum Magic, Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), and St. Petersburg College. These community partners come into the classroom with animals and science projects that allow the students to forget for a time where they are. It also renews many students’ interest in learning.

With each new unit, I discuss the importance of using appropriate vocabulary with my students. We discuss the origin of words (i.e. Latin roots, especially in the subjects I teach) and we use reading strategies such as chunking and word dissection to gain a better understanding of technical vocabulary. We begin each unit, regardless of content area, with a look at the vocabulary and the context that it can be used in various subjects. I encourage my students to come up with unique and silly ways to remember the meaning of words. For example, students often forget the vocabulary of statistics. I use phrases like, “Mean, mode, mode the most…” set to the “Row, Row, Row, your boat” tune. We remember how to spell capitol in the government because the Capitol Building is round like an ‘O’ instead of peaked like an ‘A’. I have a print rich classroom with content area vocabulary all over the walls.

It is always a bittersweet occasion when my students graduate and leave us. Preparing the student for transition requires more than transferring records and developing exit plans. I contact the receiving district transition specialist via email and follow up phone call. I speak to parents before and during the release of a student to insure that they understand where he is academically and any special assistance that he may need. Parents leave with my contact information in hand, knowing that if there are any issues, my colleagues and I are available to assist. About a month after a student’s release follow-up calls are made to check on their progress. Over the past year, I have developed professional relationships with Transition Specialists through out the state. These relationships have made it possible for me to continue to monitor former students and their progress.

I am proud of my students and the things we accomplish each year. I set professional goals to increase student achievement and invariably my children benefit exponentially. I have chosen to work with this population because they so desperately need someone to care for them and their needs. My classroom is a testament that all children love to learn, given the chance.