"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults."
- Frederick Douglas
Hello! My name is Jana Horton and I will soon complete the process of becoming an elementary or middle school teacher! A senior Elementary Education major at Spring Arbor University, I will graduate in Fall 2013 with certification in Elementary Education, as well as Middle School math and social studies. This quote by Frederick Douglas reflects one of my key motivations behind teaching: to simply be a part of making a difference in the lives of the students I teach. Throughout my time as a student, several of my own teachers had a profound and lasting impact on me. I chose to enter the teaching profession because I care deeply about students and hope to similarly have a lasting impact on many of the children I teach, both academically and in character development. I am also excited to use my skills in creativity to keep my students engaged and ignite in them a passion for learning, which will be valuable to them throughout their lives!
As I prepare for the exciting adventure of teaching, I know it is vital that I evaluate research and my own experience to develop basic plans for my teaching and classroom management. Over the past several months, I have engaged in a great amount of research and creative brainstorming to develop a basic plan for classroom management, assessment, grading, and data, as well as teaching strategies for my future classroom. Although they may be adapted as I encounter new problems or new research is developed, these plans serve as a basic framework for my future teaching experience. I have compiled these plans into a single portfolio and published them on this website for easy viewing by schools, parents, or other interested parties. Please feel free to take a look at my ideas and get a better idea of who I am as a teacher!