Rationale
I currently teach at Daniel Webster High and Middle School, located in West Tulsa, Oklahoma. Webster was built as part of the Work Progress Administration (WPA) program in 1938 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Webster is an art deco building on nineteen acres just off Historic Route 66. It has proudly served multiple generations of Westside families and continues to welcome students from all over Tulsa. The school population consists of Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Micronesian, Native American, Asian, and Multiracial students. Webster is a Title 1 school, as many of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch based on their parents’ income. Many of our students (25-30%) are on IEPs (Individualized Education Plans).
The student body includes a wide range of emotional, social, and academic levels and a significant number of English learners. This diversity provides a challenge to teach the core curriculum through differentiation and accommodations, including group and individual lessons. The 9th grade history curriculum has opportunities to apply project-based learning (PBL) that includes projects, mentoring, and self-directed learning. The opportunities also exist to focus on issues in the community. Furthermore, students will participate in field trips to engage in education, advocacy, and apprenticeships with businesses in the community. This will help students understanding the various issues.
My teaching philosophy is all about balance and integrity. I incorporate all the teaching strategies, everything from short lectures and media clips to group activities and student-led discussion/inquiry. In addition, I like to include pop culture connections to hands-on learning opportunities. I think of the whole student, what they will encounter in their future learning experiences and the critical thinking skills that they will need for the demands of life. I focus on creating a positive atmosphere and giving students the respect, care, and dedication, they deserve while I help them navigate through difficult issues in our history. Maintaining the commitment to the struggle for progress, civic action and a fair democracy will be discussed.
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