When you buy resources from sites like TPT, do you spend much time looking at WHO you are buying resources from?
- Are they qualified? Have they got experience or a degree in the area they are selling resources for? Just because they sell on TeacherspayTEACHERS, does not mean they ARE teachers. I'm not saying they have to be a teacher- you can get great resources from EA'S (teacher's assistance) and Speech pathologist just to name a few- but check to make sure you a buying from someone knowledgeable in the area of your resource.
- Have they graduated yet? Student teachers often have fresh and unique ideas and can be more knowledgeable on current theory but depending on the resources you are buying, experience and the resource having been classroom tested may be an important factor.
- Are they still in the classroom? Retired teachers and people who have moved on to other experiences may have more time to create but are the resources still current? Do they still work in today's classroom? Are they aligned with current curriculum?
- What country are they from? Check to see if they use the same version of English as you or include your version in their products if that is going to be an issue. Product descriptions are a great sign of what the language will be like within the product. If they speak English as a second language is their grammar up to scratch?
- Does the resource belong to that person? Some steal other peoples resources and post them as their own!
Before buying resources from a store have a look at who you are buying it off of through 'about me' tabs, clicking on social media links and exploring their store. Ensure you can trust the products you purchase.
In my personal life I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful and clever daughters (ages 2 and 1) and 2 very fluffy dogs (Golden Retriever and a Japanese Spitz).
"I was born to be a teacher. It is my passion! If we had a choice to work or not I would still want to be a teacher! "
I completed my teaching degree in 2009 in a special internship program where I got to work along side a teacher in a classroom for the whole year! It was an incredible experience, one I am very grateful for. I feel I learnt more than most teachers would on their own in their first three year! I graduated with a highly outstanding for my ATP (final teaching practicum).
I then did a one year country stint in a small rural town. It was a nice little town and I wish I had done more in my time there but it was a fantastic setting for my first classroom of my own.
At the end of that year I knew I wanted to head back to my home town, the third largest city in Western Australia. I didn't think I had much of chance of getting a job as they were in short supply and high demand at the time. I tried to get use to the idea of relief teaching but was worried I would get bored without the planning, relationships and creative outlets. I decided if I wasn't successful I would do a psychology degree while relief teaching. I can still remember the phone conversation word for word when I got a job! It was a huge achievement! No one could wipe the smile from my face! But I also couldn't get rid of the idea of learning more about psychology so I committed to doing a certificate in psychology (basically the first year of a Psychology degree) while teaching.
Since then I have been at the same school. First in year 1, then year 3 for two years, a split 2/3, maternity leave for a year and this year is still technically confidential. I love staying at the same school and getting to know families and seeing children grow. While year 3 is my absolute favourite year I like moving grades to keep things interesting and fresh.
I love bright colours in my classroom and having display that serve practical purposes not just look pretty.
My lesson feature a variety of learning strategies including cooperative learning strategies, thinking tools and recording templates. I love hands on activities and most of my lessons do not have a designated worksheet.
I set my expectations for students high and make lessons that cater for a wide range of abilities.
I create just about everything myself for my classroom. Creating resources and designing units is more like a hobby for my than work.
My top three strengths in teaching are lesson planning, facilitating lessons (teaching) and relationships with students. My biggest weaknesses in teaching are parent relationships, physical education and patience!
"Let me spend time doing what I love to give you more time to do what you love!"
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