Wildlife Biology & Classification: Explore the Taxonomy of Kingdom Animalia

Hello Parents and Learners! 

Thanks for stopping by! My name is Megan Elder, and I am passionate about planning lessons that cater to a variety of learning styles. I love to integrate multiple content areas and activate all five senses! I believe that by incorporating student interests and real life applications into academic lessons, all learners can access the curriculum and build upon their strengths to succeed. 

I am an unschooling and homeschooling mom of three young children and we reside in coastal North Carolina. Before I became a parent, I was a classroom teacher for students with diverse learning styles. Many of my students required supports and accommodations to access the curriculum. I am always in awe of students who persevere despite challenges and I understand the additional burden virtual learning can be for children who learn best in person. I strive to make lessons engaging and inclusive. By incorporating video, sound, GIFs, real life photo and animations, movement and games, students are exposed to content in a new and fun way, and learn without even knowing it!

I enjoy taking my own children’s lead in our learning activities at home and many of my classes are inspired by or include activities I have created to help them learn new skills. We love to find new ways to make learning a part of living by researching, creating our own books, cooking, exploring nature and experimenting! I look forward to bringing our love of learning to your family in the virtual classroom! 

Teaching Experience:
I was a teacher for students with Autism in the Northern Virginia area for about eight years. After having my second child, I became a stay at home mom and occasional substitute teacher. In 2017 I began teaching English as a Second Language online. Most recently, I have planned and taught lessons from PE to Geography for my children’s homeschool co-op. I have really enjoyed fine tuning my teaching skills with a variety of instructional roles over the years.  Inclusion is very important to me and I make it a point to differentiate my lessons to appeal to a variety of unique learning styles. 

Education:
I received my Bachelor's in Special Education from Kent State University with a focus on students with moderate to intensive needs. After having some classroom experience, I earned my Master’s  of Science in Education, with a focus on Concepts of Teaching and Learning K-12, from Capella University. 

I have held both Ohio and Virginia State Teaching Licenses.  My license endorsements include Emotional Disabilities, Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Cognitive Disabilities. I also held an Ohio Substitute Teaching License.  

I earned a TESOL Certification from International Open Academy.  I was also certified to use the Wilson Reading Program. I have received a variety of trainings on integrating technology into the classroom, visual supports, differentiation of instruction, and behavior management while teaching in public school districts and online. I provide tools for students to succeed in every lesson! 

I look forward to seeing your learner in the classroom! 

**CLASS POLICIES**
1. Please review Outschool FAQs and familiarize yourself with the platform prior to class. 
2. One-time courtesy transfer within 24-hours before class time. For additional transfers, or extenuating circumstances, contact support@outschool.com.
3. Class materials are for class use only and not to be shared, copied or edited for use outside the classroom.

**OFFICE HOURS**
I answer messages and complete transfers Monday-Friday. If you need assistance on the weekend with scheduling issues please contact support@outschool.com. 

Thank you!