About MeMy name is Shannon Smith. I have been married for 3 years. My husband and I enjoy hiking, camping and spending time with our dog, Dexter. In February 2018 we had our first child, Violet. She is the best thing to happen to us!
I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours of Arts majoring in History and Anthropology. After graduating I taught English as a second language in South Korea for a year. When I returned to Canada, I completed my Bachelor Education at the University of Ottawa. Since completing my teaching degree I have spent many years working with children. I have spent time working at a Boys and Girls club, a Montesori school and many other places. I have worked for the Waterloo Region District School Board for 5 years. I have taught a variety of grades including Grade 2, 4, 5, 6, and Grade 8 Math. I am excited to continue my career at John Darling. |
Educational Philosophy |
I have focused my experiences and education in anticipation of a career working with children. Each experience has exposed me to rewarding situations and opportunities to hone my skills as an educator. As teacher in the 21st century I believe that it is my duty to prepare my students for the future. To me this means teaching my students to think creatively, collaboratively, and critically.
As an educator embrace 5 key principles that guide my instruction. First is student engagement, through the use of technology and carefully selected real world practical challenges. I will have my students fully invested in their learning. They will see the reasons behind what they are doing and fully buy into the tasks. Second, is the use of critical challenges, thinking circles, and big questions to create sustained inquiry. I will use an inquiry approach in my reading, writing, math and science programs, allowing for my students to take control of their learning and to be personally invested in their education. Third, is to create an environment that nurtures self-regulated learners. In my classroom I know that every student can learn and be successful. I build a safe and caring environment where students are in control of their learning and take the driver’s seat. Fourth is to carefully select assessment-rich learning tasks where students are front and centre in all aspects. I don’t want my students to wait until the final project before finding out that they are lacking in their understanding. In my classroom my students know that failure leads to success and that every task is a learning opportunity. Finally, we will be using technology to enhance our learning. Students will be using their Google Drive to assist in their learning. |
Personal Philosophy |
I am a firm believer in the importance of being present during each moment of every day. For the past few years I have been practicing Mindfulness on a daily basis. Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you are mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.
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