Hi, and welcome to my professional portfolio. My name is Rachael Oelkers and I am a graduate student at Suny Oswego. I have a Bachelors degree in the Arts and Sciences in Psychology, which I received in 2006. Upon graduation I quickly moved on to work for a non-for profit counseling and advocacy organization. There I worked for one year mainly hands-on with adults. However the feeling of accomplishment I felt from my job was slim. I watched as many of the clients I worked with struggled and in turn their children struggled as well. The experience brought me back to my own childhood and schooling and I knew at that very moment I was destined for something much greater. I felt as though I needed to make a difference and it needed to begin with children.

Currently I am pursing my Masters degree in Childhood Education. I am also working as a preschool teacher and loving every minute of it. Everyday is a new challenge and I have never felt so dedicated or happy. My position has provided me with many positive learning experiences as I have been given the opportunity to work with many different children from many different backgrounds. I also work with children who have disabilities and every little step has allowed me to appreciate so many personalities and talents. Every little achievement shared is truly breathtaking.

Teaching Philosophy:

                        Every student brings to a classroom their own unique experiences, individuality, talents, and potential. A classroom should be a place of acceptance, a place of personal growth with the ability to nurture and expand. As an educator it is my job to help my students find the many talents they possess. As an educator I will work to provide my students with an educational experience that is both knowledgeable and self rewarding. It is my belief that every child has the right to learn, and it is my job to make sure that each and every one of my students finds personal success within my classroom.

Purpose:

In this portfolio you can find my own personal reflections on the 10 INTASC Standards for beginning teachers. I have also included my own evidence to support my teaching philosophy of such standards which includes lesson plans, mini units, parent and child interviews, papers, and many other examples that support my teaching philosophy