Hi my name is Miss Natalie. I am 25 years old and I am a recent graduate from Western Governors University. I have received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. 

My plan is to teach math classes, home economics classes, and reading classes. I have many experiences relating to teaching. My first experience was in 2015 when I was a tutor for a semester at a local community college. I tutored all subjects to various college students. Then, I became a teacher assistant at a nearby University. During this position, I supported students in a world history class. My main job was helping create assignments along side of the professor, and holding my own office hours. My most recent teaching experience was my student teaching I completed from January 2020-March 2020 in a third grade classroom.
	As I think about the question “why is teaching important to me?”, many thoughts come to my mind. Teaching is important to me because I have the opportunity to make a difference in the students’ lives. I get the chance to be a role model for these young and innocent individuals. I get to be a person that makes the students feel safe and comfortable. I get to be a person who sees their potential and believes in them every step of the way. I get to witness the pure joy they have during their “lightbulb” moments, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing this with my own eyes. Teaching isn’t just a job to me - it’s a passion. 

	My beliefs on education are centered around ideas relating to constructivism, which was founded by Jean Piaget. In a constructivist classroom, “The classroom is no longer a place where the teacher ("expert") pours knowledge into passive students, who wait like empty vessels to be filled. In the constructivist model, the students are urged to be actively involved in their own process of learning” (Educational Broadcasting Corporation, 2004). I believe that all students are learners. Furthermore, each child is unique and learns in different ways. This means I believe that education should be differentiated, and that education should focus on the whole child. I believe that education should be student driven and teacher directed: the students will learn by doing, the students will have a voice that is heard in the classroom, and the teacher and students will share decision making.  Ultimately, constructivism gives students a chance to become real problem solvers and reflective learners. 

With that being said, a fun fact about me: I am a stay at home mom and I have two children. One boy and one girl. I also love all sports!

I look forward to meeting many students and am so grateful to have the opportunity to further enhance the learning of many wonderful children!