HELLO, I'M
Lauren Tennyson.
Elementary Teacher
Lauren Tennyson
B.S. in Elementary Education.
Currently Working Towards:
M.S. in Education: Educational Technology
503-998-4296
About
MY BACKGROUND
I am an enthusiastic elementary educator providing creative lessons and engaging classroom instruction to promote the goals of literacy, critical-thinking, problem solving, ownership of learning, collaboration skills, and applications to everyday life that are equitable for all students. I am also very passionate about incorporating technology into the classroom that further adds to the learning experience.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
2020 - Current
Western Oregon University
Masters of Education; Educational Technology
Instructional Design Certificate
2017 - 2019
Warner Pacific University
B.S. Elementary & Early Childhood Education
2015 - 2017
Clackamas Community College
AAOT (Oregon Transfer Degree)
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
Jan. 2020 - Present
ESS, Substitute Teacher
Sep. 2019 - Dec. 2019
Student Teaching at Sweetbriar Elementary (3rd Grade)
Jan. 2019 - May 2019
Student Teaching at Sacramento Elementary (Kindergarten)
Nov. 2016 - Present
Club Volleyball Coach
Teaching Philosophy
Curriculum
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Create lessons that are based around the Common Core State Standards, that also challenges students to apply basic concepts to real-world contexts.
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Promote the goals of literacy, critical-thinking, problem solving, ownership of learning, collaboration skills, and applications to everyday life for all students.
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Taking the time to immerse and learn about the community my students are from to design or alter curriculum to meet the students' needs and interests.
Assessment
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Summative Assessment -- Use of pre and post tests to determine growth.
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Formative Assessment -- Quick assessments done at the end of the lesson to determine if adjustments need to be made to the instruction. Example: Using an exit ticket or using four corners activity.
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Informal Assessment -- Monitoring student comprehension throughout the lesson, and modifying the lesson as needed to meet the needs of students.
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Standardized/Curriculum-Based Tests -- Tests that use data to help pinpoint what needs to be prioritized for instructional material. Examples: STAR testing, DIBELS, Read Naturally. I used all three of these tests when I was student teaching.
Differentiation and Diversity
I have worked in two different, public elementary schools (in different districts). Through working in these schools, I have gained experience working with diverse classroom settings. When creating lessons, I always take students' backgrounds, cultures, level of knowledge, and learning styles into consideration to provide lessons that best meet the needs of my students.
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Having a balance of classroom learning by incorporating whole group instruction, small group instruction, and individual work.
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Using diverse methods of instruction to further improve instruction. Example: Use of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual techniques.
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Having planned adaptations and modifications for students with I.E.P.'s, 504 plans, as well as supplementary materials for ESOL students.
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Incorporating technology into the learning. Example: Use of Google Applications, Google Classroom, Kahoot, Epic!, Vooks, Storyline Online and much more!
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Quiet Critters: Each student receives a quiet critter, but they must remain quiet to keep their critter at their desk. I use these for quiet work periods or silent reading.
Classroom Management
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The classroom environment is based around a sense of community: one that stands for respect for all, responsibility for actions, safety and kindness to ourselves and others, and readiness to learn.
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Students are held accountable for their own learning, and I will always encourage and support them in and out of the classroom.
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Descriptive classroom procedures and instructions that direct students to the type of behavior that is expected of them at that time. Continual practice and perseverance will be implemented to make sure students understand the procedures and instructions, and do them correctly.
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I have high expectations of all my students, and they know this, which requires them to put their best effort into their learning and work. When students do not complete their best work, I will often talk with them and give them the opportunity to redo it.
Collaboration and Communication
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Creating a positive parent - teacher relationship through strong communication. This can be done by communicating with parents when problems arise, but also when a student has done something great. A consistent classroom newsletter can also contribute to a positive parent - teacher relationship.
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Collaboration with fellow teachers to provide support and share ideas. Example: During my student teaching I was able to be part of the PLC's, and I really appreciated the time devoted to collaboration with fellow teachers.
Lesson Portfolio
EXAMPLES OF MY WORK