User:Alucy001

ABOUT ME

Hi Everyone! My name is Ashley High. I received my BS in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from ODU in December 2008. Since then, I have started working at a preschool in Poquoson, VA called Playtime Learning Center. I really wanted to get some experience before I decided that I definitely wanted to come back to school to get my Masters in Education PreK-6. So far, I'm loving my new job! At first, it was a little overwhelming at times, but I am growing and learning so much everyday, and it only gets easier and more rewarding. I have been married to my husband, Adam, for 3 years. Adam has been in the Navy for almost 7 years. We have 1 dog, Bailey, and 2 cats, Little Bit and Patches. We bought our first house in December 2006 in Hampton, VA. By far, my favorite season is summer because I love all the fun things that come with it. I love yard work, planting flowers, cooking on the grill, riding our jetski and going to the beach!

MY EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

In the short time that I have been working in a preschool, I feel like I have learned so much. I believe that a classroom that uses a student-centered approach is a must. A teacher must be very tuned-in to the kids and know what will make them successful. That said, I believe that growth and success should always be the ultimate goals. A teacher should also be flexible so that the needs of the students are met. I think that it is beneficial for special needs students to be placed in the same classrooms as all the other students as long as there is control and the other students are not interrupted. The needs of each special needs student should be evaluated. Some students may be able to handle the regular classroom, others may need an extra aide to work individually with the student, and others may benefit more in a special needs class. I just don't think that all special needs students should be grouped together and put in a class to themselves when some of them may be able to fuction and be successful in another setting.

I also believe that with the ever-changing modern society we live in today, our schools need to keep up. Technology integration is important. I think that all schools should have technology workshops as needed so that the teachers are aware of new technologies that can be used to improve education. Having a computer in a classroom is not enough. There are so many new resources that can be used and should be used. Students should not only be taught how to use technology, but should also use technology as part of regularly scheduled assignments. To be successful later in life, it is important that children start using technology early as well as regularly.

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -William Arthur Ward

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” -John F. Kennedy