Dominique Patnaik

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            My vision of a classroom is one in which students feel encouraged and supported in taking risks and making mistakes. Students can do this when they feel safe, and where they know the expectations. In my classroom, you will see inquiry-based learning, students doing hands-on work and learning through experiences. The students in my classroom will all feel included, regardless of gender, race, background, or abilities. 

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           In my classroom, you will see ongoing observations and conversations between the teacher and students. I will get to know the students as learners, and as people. The students will know that I care about them, not only as students, but as human beings. My classroom will be a place where students can see and learn social skills, empathy, kindness, and compassion through collaborative work and discussions. In this classroom, you will see deep conversations about social issues, where students are encouraged to seek ways to make the world a better place.

 

           You will see different ways for students to learn, and different ways for students to show their learning. Students will be encouraged to discover their strengths as learners, and build on those strengths. In my classroom, you will see ongoing feedback happening between me and the students, and between students themselves. Students will always know what the expectations are, and how to reach those goals. As a teacher, I will not limit teaching to the classroom, but will extend it to sports, clubs, and school initiatives.

 

           To me, being a teacher is so much more than the five hours I spend with the students; it means instilling a passion for learning, for the sake of learning. My classroom will be a place of discovery, deep learning, and curiosity. Students will leave my classroom knowing that they are an important part of the school community, and valued.