Michelle Kern

 

Welcome to 4th grade at Eisenhower Elementary! I am looking forward to working with my students and helping them develop their love for learning. I received a Bachelor's of Science in Education from the University of Saint Mary in 2009. I also received a Masters of Art in Education from Baker University in 2013. This will be my 13th year teaching at Eisenhower Elementary, and my 12th year teaching fourth grade!

I believe that each child is an exceptional individual, who needs a secure, compassionate, and stimulating environment in which to grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. As an educator, it is my desire to help students reach their fullest potential in these areas, by providing a safe and nurturing learning environment. I will assist children in self-discovery so that they may learn to express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas about learning.

Every classroom will present a unique community of learners, which not only varies in abilities, but also in learning styles. As an educator, my role is to give children the guidance with which to empower their capacity to learn. To accomplish this, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I believe curriculum is a key to a successful classroom. Curriculum needs to involve the interests of children and make their learning relevant to life. In order to help facilitate this idea, I will incorporate themes, integrate units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on-learning in order to make children active learners. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills essential to reach their goals. I have high expectations for all students, as well as, a variety of teaching strategies to help and encourage students to become life-long learners.