Mrs. Goethe

Educational Philosophy

Teaching children is my life. I was born into a family of educators and it has been said that, “the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” My teaching style and techniques are evolving daily as I learn through professional development, by studying my peers, and most importantly by listening to my students. To me, a large part of teaching is figuring out how children learn. I am passionate about education because I am a constant learner myself.

I believe that a key element in the elementary classroom is keeping the students excited about learning new things. My personal style of teaching brings enthusiasm, music, inquiry, and teamwork into the classroom to increase learning motivation. I teach with a contagious smile and open personality that helps me to interact with my students as I guide them through their learning process.

My objective as a teacher is to motivate my students toward a level of independence where they develop a desire to learn and think for themselves. Through this type of active participation, students learn and form their own opinions and base of knowledge. I define my approach to teaching as inquiry based since I encourage my students to explore concepts at a hands-on level and develop an understanding through discussion and teamwork.

Graduated From: University of Denver Years Teaching: 23

About Me:

I am married and have two children; Bronson 11, a middle schooler at TLAM and Brock 4, a VPK student at Tutor Time. My husband Brog works for Blue Cross Blue Shield of FL in insurance sales. We have two cats; Boots and GeeGee. In my free time I love to work out, and complete home projects. I enjoy reading and watching movies as well as playing with my children. I regularly travel north to visit my sister in Boston and my Father in Wisconsin. Our next big adventure may be a cruise or a cross country trip to explore the California coast.

Dear Parents,

We've got 16 school days under our belts. Expect to see a progress report next week in all subject areas. I have a few reminders for you:

• Keep sending your child in with healthly snacks. I realize chips are easy; however, please add some healthy choices to your shopping list this weekend.
• Next week your child will have their eyes checked during our vision screening. This does test for nearsightedness, but if your child is having a hard time reading up close you will need to see an eye doctor for that screening.
• We have P.E. with coach twice next week. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately on Monday and Friday. They also need water for P.E.
• We will have our first science test next week. Your child will be making note cards in class to study. Please help them study with these cards.
• Your child is expected to read every night. Mrs. Norton has given them a 20 page requirement nightly. They also should read over the weekend.
• Our multiplication fact focus will be on the 5's and 6's next week. Your child will have a fact test on Friday.
• You will also be playing some math games next week with your child for homework. There will be a form that needs to be filled out to show that you have played the game. This will be due on Friday.
• Please sign and return all tests that are stamped, "Sign and Return".

Have a great weekend. Make contact via e-mail. We'll get right back with you.

Your partners in education,

Michelle Goethe & Lara Norton