Ms. Noel McDowell

All students come to school with an inherent drive and motivation to learn, create and connect with the world around them. From there, it is my duty to foster and develop those desires at every possible moment.

 

Learn

As a teacher, I strive to make these connections possible through a variety of approaches utilizing the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. No child should fail to learn the material because an educator has a specific teaching style or preference that does not match the needs of that child. All needs must be taken into consideration and addressed during the lesson planning and implementation. In every classroom, there are students at varying levels of educational progress, and it is my responsibility to ensure that the students at each level continue to progress and learn in ways most beneficial to them. By differentiating the instruction using each child’s Zone of Proximal Development, I set each child up for a successful educational experience. Education for children in my classroom is given in a way that allows them to access the information and succeed. For some students, ASL is the preferred mode of communication, whereas spoken English is the preferred mode for others. I work to make sure that all students are able to achieve optimal educational success by using their preferential language. Every child deserves full access to language and educational information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create

Hands-on learning, project-based learning and technology are all implemented in my classroom setting to give students a range of experiences and opportunities. I use research projects, art projects and videos to connect creativity to the curriculum material. By giving students an opportunity to create projects both independently and as a class, they are learning to collaborate as well as ecpress themselves. Projects also give students a product to take home to their parents. This allows parents to see the hard work, progress and capabilities of their child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connect

I am a firm believer in creating a classroom culture that respects and appreciates differences within individual students. My goal is for all students to come to school feeling safe and comfortable within the environment that I have created. I bring life experiences into the classroom and encourage students to share their experiences to help educate each other and themselves about the varios perspectives and experiences of life. IN this way, students learn respect of their own culture as well as that of others. Through international travels, I have collected artifacts and pictures that I use to encourage further cultural learning and acceptance. Within my classroom, students have the opportunity to connet with one another through group work and collaborative projects. They share ideas, respond to one another and learn to work respectfully with others. I also encourage community connections through field trips and volunteer projects. Students are encouraged to complete community service projects and I strive to provide in-class and after school opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a classroom full of laughter, each student will be able to learn, create and connect with others and enjoy the process of doing so.