Mr. Harris

 

Education: 

 Temple University, Fox School of Business, Philadelphia, PA

   Bachelors of Business Administration, 2007

        

 Kean University, Nathan Weiss Graduate College, Union, NJ

   Teacher of Students with Disabilities Post BA Certification, 2014

   Master of Art, Autism & Developmental Disabilities, 2016

 

Certifications:

   NJ Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6

   NJ Teacher of Student with Disabilities

 

Philosophy of Teaching Statement

 

“The teaching given to the boy should be that which is suitable for him, and the teacher must use discrimination in choosing the teaching, and his way of giving it,” (Jiddu Krishnamurti). I believe that every student is unique and gifted with distinct intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical and social personalities, It is the charge of the teacher to identify each child’s individuality and use it as a compass to guide their learning. All classes are filled with students who have diverse learning styles, curiosities, goals, personas, and competencies.  After learning these traits of my students and having a firm grasp of their academic and social scopes, I can now differentiate instruction for them. I understand that it takes patience, understanding and knowledge to perform such a task as a teacher, but differentiated instruction is essential to address the wide range of skills and abilities in a classroom. I have been able to engage students by facilitating lessons in small groups, one-on-one, and peer learning with a high degree of success, in order to maintain rigorous instruction for the entire class, while still challenging students at their level without students losing focus or confidence.

 

For me to be receptive to the varied characteristics of, not only my students, but also my colleagues, I must maintain the desire to continuously grow academically, professionally, and socially. I must always keep up with best practices and seek professional development, to ensure students are receiving the most current education, ideas, and technologies. In addition to being knowledgeable, I believe a teacher’s life experiences and ability to relate to his or her students socially evolve around the ability to connect with students intellectually and allow learning through relevant, real world concepts, which appeal to the students’ curiosities. I have learned a great deal working in professional learning communities with other teachers, I encourage cooperative learning among students, so they benefit from each other’s knowledge.  

 

As a teacher, I move beyond the classroom and contribute community of my students. Serving as an in-home tutor, coach, volunteer mentor, and club advisory has shown me how connecting with the community, parents, and most importantly, students outside the classroom builds a mutual trust, support, appreciation, and open communication, which is carried over into classroom settings.

 

The minds of children are precious gifts to be loved, protected, and honored, to be nurtured, stimulated, and engaged. Being a teacher is one of the most gratifying challenges I have had the opportunity to have. I am committee to foster the exceptional possibilities of each individual student I encounter. “There is no person ought to be a teacher, ought to be allowed to be a teacher, unless he has shown in his daily life that Love is the strongest quality of his nature” (Jiddu Krishnamurti).