Hello everyone!! My name is Michelle Searle (she/her) and I am from sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I grew up always wanting to be a teacher. When I was younger, I used to teach my stuffed animals. Believe it or not, they learned a great deal with me! Once I got a little older, I would play school with the younger neighborhood children. Let's just say that they were not as quiet as my stuffed cats and monkeys! 😄

I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. I am certified to teach general education grades K-6, special education grades K-12, and English as a foreign language to children and adults. I have endorsements in reading and ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages).

I believe no one educator is identical to another, just as no one student is identical to another. Each student is unique. Each comes from a different path in life, with different beliefs and background knowledge. Each child goes along their own unique path as they seek guidance and support from the people around them while they learn about themselves and their fullest potential. My teaching philosophy is humanistic. I view learning through the lens of the potential for growth, becoming the best one can be. I teach to make a difference in children’s lives. 

My classes will always allow each student to be included, creative, and engaged. We will have fun and learn together! I am excited to get to know your child and I can't wait to meet them so we can learn and play together!

Other than teaching, I am a dual American-Italian citizen currently learning Italian. I love everything cats and Disney, I love to do yoga, and I love pizza. If you have any questions about me or my classes, I would be happy to answer them! 

Ms. Michelle 😸

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Please test Zoom and Nearpod (if applicable) before class. I like to be fully present with students as soon as we begin class, and do not access my conversations or classroom comments on Outschool after the class has already started. I also cannot help your child set up Nearpod during class to be respectful of the other learners' time. If you have any questions about Nearpod or need help logging in, please message me before class. 

*******************************
MUTING:
I do my best to encourage participation from learners enrolled in my classes. I prefer to leave learners unmuted, but I understand that there are instances where learners need to be muted. Parents, please feel free to mute your learners at your discretion. 

As the teacher, there are also instances where I will need to utilize the mute function. If there is background noise that may be distracting to other learners enrolled in the class, I will advise the student that they are being muted to limit the background noise. Students will also be muted during videos so each student can listen to their own video. I will always advise students of this and after the video, they are welcome to take themselves off of mute. 

I advise that learners know how to unmute themselves or a parent is present to unmute their learner if needed.

At the beginning of each class, I will also advise the learners of my expectations. Students must raise their hands and wait for their names to be called before speaking. To be respectful of all learners and to give everyone a chance to participate, it is important for students to abide by these rules. I will use visual and verbal cues in an effort to remind young learners of these expectations. 

*******************************
SIBLINGS/FRIENDS:
If you have more than one learner that wants to participate, watch, or be on-screen during the lesson, they each must be enrolled to be fair to the other students and per Outschool's policies. Enrolled siblings are always welcome to share a screen during class. 

*******************************
REFUNDS & TRANSFERS:
Per Outschool's limited refund policy: "Full refund within 24 hours of purchase or up to a week in advance of the class." 

If within the week, you realize you won't be able to make class, please submit a transfer request from the classroom at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures another student who would like to take the class has enough time to see the opening and enroll. 
If contacted after class, I cannot refund or transfer. I do understand personal/family emergencies come up and will do my best to support you. If your learner is withdrawn on your end within the non-refundable period, I am unable to transfer you. It is best to contact me first for your options.

*******************************
RECORDINGS:
Recordings are not automatically shown in the classroom. I like to create a safe, open space for students to be themselves and want them to be as interactive as possible. If you would like access to the class recording or have missed class, feel free to message me so I can make it available to you.