ALISON DUBOIS-EKER

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Curriculum

Create and implement language development units and lessons based on state standards, diverse materials & text sets, student interest, and cross-curricular subjects.

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• Create engaging language and literacy lessons that are founded in the Next Generation ELA Standards.

• Promote literacy, vocabulary development, oral language, critical-thinking, problem solving, collaboration and applications to everyday life for all students.

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Assessment

Apply varied assessment methods to measure the knowledge gained by students and to improve student learning.

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• Summative Assessment including use of NYSESLAT & ELA data to drive instruction.

• Ongoing Formative Assessment in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing to assess the need for adjustment in instruction to increase student learning.

• Informal Assessment – ongoing monitoring and observation to evaluate student comprehension and modify lesson plans as needed.

• Student Formative Self- and Peer-Assessment, using models, success criteria and the ladder of feedback, to allow students to reflect on their understanding of the learning goal, and the work they've produced. 
  
  

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Differentiation and Diversity

Working in a public elementary school in Brooklyn, NY I have gained experience in very diverse classroom settings. When creating lessons, I take students’ cultures, backgrounds, levels of knowledge/skills, and learning styles into consideration and provide multiple means of access to materials.

• Integrate culturally responsive practices by coordinating classroom learning to achieve a balance between whole group instruction, small group collaboration and individual work.

• Use diverse methods of instruction to allow for auditory, kinesthetic and visual learners to be successful.

• Employ a variety of materials, including diverse text sets, in order to present students with a wide range of information and resources that reflect their lives.

• Utilizing technology resources to enhance lessons, promote engagement and provide feedback, such as Brainpop Jr, Pear Deck, and Flipgrid.

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Collaboration and Communication

• Maintain regular communication with administration & colleagues. An open relationship promotes opportunities for support in areas such as curriculum, student strengths and needs, parental involvement and other concerns within the school.

• Strong communication with families is essential, and begins with outreach, relationship building, and establishing trust.

• Cross-cultural & multilingual communication is necessary for clear communication with diverse families. 

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Classroom Management

• Effective classroom management begins with seeing students for who they are, learning about their lives, allowing and showing vulnerability, building relationships, and establishing mutual respect among students and teacher.

• Students are held accountable for their learning in order to encourage success in the classroom.

• The classroom environment is one that fosters respect and curiosity for all, responsibility for actions, and openness to learning and personal growth.

• Teacher clarity helps students understand classroom and lesson expectations.

• Opportunities for leadership for all allow students to develop habits that promote learning.

• Students develop independent work habits as well as collaboration with peers, through varied classroom opportunities.