Tammy P. Smith - Goals & Philosophy

Every year I develop more of an understanding of the children I teach. A safe, warm, welcoming, technology rich and plant filled (I believe in bringing the green indoors) physical environment should be the foundation for what I believe to be the three basic needs. As their teacher I should aim to include:

	Support: My students need my support. They should be safe and comfortable enough in my classroom to take risks. They need to know that even if they fail, it is the attempt that is important. There is always something to be learned from both success and failure. School is a place where name calling, teasing and peer pressure is prevalent. I need to be an example, so that in my classroom students will strive to support each other and celebrate their differences.

	Understanding: I, as an educator, need to understand the changes taking place in their lives both mentally and physically. Physical and hormonal changes taking place in the young body of an adolescent can create stress and mood swings. I need to be compassionate and remember that their bodies are not the only part undergoing dramatic changes. The less obvious mental changes need to be addressed also.

	Patience: Really listening to someone can be the greatest gift you can give that person. Children have difficulty finding their place in society. I need to have patience. We can teach students their multiplication tables, art history and science, but it is really what they see in us, by example, that stays with them forever.

I want to be remembered as a patient, understanding, supportive individual who took the time to listen, encourage and explain. I want to be remembered as someone who loved the subject she taught, but also taught students, by example, how to be a caring and tolerant individual.

Tammy & a few of her students.

If it weren’t for students impeding our progress in our race to the end of the term, we could certainly be sure of covering the material. The question, however, is not whether we as teachers can get to the end of the text or the end of the term, but whether our students are with us on the journey.
— Pat Cross, Director of the Classroom Project —

After five years as a graphic designer, I left the business world and went back to school for my teaching certificate. I started my career in education in an area many people consider extremely challenging – middle school! People ask me if I like what I do. I absolutely love teaching. I am glad I worked in the business world; because of that experience I appreciate my teaching job even more. Two and half years into the education profession, I began my Masters degree at Jacksonville University. In December, 1999 I finished my MAT in Integrated Learning with Educational Technology.

I learned a tremendous amount about myself as an educator during my Master’s program, but the journey for an educator is never complete. I wish to continue my studies on the next level. Earning a Ph.D. in Educational Technology will increase my knowledge in curriculum integration, new technologies and new ways to energize and motivate teachers and students. I enjoy teaching, and watching teachers become excited with the new techniques and skills they need to successfully integrate their curriculum with other subjects and technologies. A doctorate degree will also open opportunities to work at a district level in instructional technology or move into upper level education at the university level.