NAME:
John Blackwell
The education and experiences bringing me to this point in my life and
career have been quite diverse and unquestionably formative. I first made
the decision and set the goal of becoming an educator over fifteen years ago
for one simple reason: I enjoy teaching and working with children. The
roads I have taken to accomplish this goal have been long, but well worth
the travels. The days I now spend in the classroom are my most rewarding.
My life as an adult began shortly after graduating high school in 1985 when
I enlisted in the United States Army. Circumstances and life's surprises
lead to an armed forces career spanning the next twenty years and becoming
much more than just a means to an end. It was during this time that I
earned both my undergraduate and masters degrees in education from Brenau
University.
Much of my experience in the military has been invaluable. From planning
and implementation to organization and teamwork, I have developed and
refined many attributes crucial to my effectiveness and continued growth as
an educator. I was trained in several Military Occupational Specialties for
various positions of responsibility, including Information Systems
Supervisor, which I held for the last ten years of my career. Accolades and
awards I am most humbled and proud to have received include the Bronze Star
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal.
In 1995 I completed my field experience in the classroom of Sarah Smith 5th
grade teacher, Mrs. Betty Conley. For the next ten years I used most of my
off-duty time from the Army to work as a substitute teacher in various grade
levels, primarily at Sarah Smith. I was fortunate to be hired as a full-
time teacher shortly after my retirement from the military. The 2009-2010
school year marks my fourth year teaching 4th grade at Sarah Smith. I am
currently pursuing my doctoral degree with an anticipated completion date of
2012. I was honored to be selected as SRS Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009.
My educational philosophy is drawn from a variety of perspectives and
theories on teaching and learning, but the majority of my teaching methods
and beliefs are of the constructivist model. Constructivism is a learning
or meaning-making theory that offers an explanation of how human beings
learn. It maintains that individuals create or construct their own new
understandings or knowledge through the interaction with what they already
know and believe. The ideas, events, and activities with which they have
already come in contact are to be used as building blocks. Knowledge is
acquired through involvement with content instead of imitation or
repetition. Learning activities in constructivist settings are characterized
by active engagement, inquiry, problem solving, and collaboration. Rather
than a dispenser of knowledge, the teacher is a facilitator, and co-explorer
who encourages learners to question, challenge, and formulate their own
ideas, opinions, and conclusions. The importance of making meaningful
connections and reflecting thoughtfully are continually emphasized in the
classroom.
As a teacher, I believe it is critical to understand that the basic materials
of education are students. The teacher is first and foremost a child
development specialist and must be able to integrate what they learn about
curriculum, assessment, and management with what they know about how children
think and learn. The curriculum should never be final, but open, flexible
and innovative. Learning should be a cooperative venture making it exciting
for teacher and student. Key attributes to being an effective teacher
include openness, honesty, and respect for students. These characteristics
in a teacher will promote learners who are trusting and respectful.
The goal of a teacher should be to develop lifelong learners who possess the
skills, flexibility, and confidence to meet the demands of the future. My
job is to develop a student's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical
well-being through an integrated approach to teaching that addresses the
learning needs of each individual.
