Teaching Philosophy Statement

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher. I knew it would be challenging, but rewarding with many benefits to come. But no one ever told me it can result in me getting sued. I graduated from Rutgers University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and I was on my way to finishing up my teaching certification. The following school year I was set to start student teaching, but everything changed when the Superintendent of my old Middle School offered me position teaching math. I ended up teaching the same students who I substituted for. It was challenging as a first year teacher, but year two was even worst. I moved up a grade and so did the students. This was the year that made me want to forgo teaching all together,

D had dealt with many cases, but decided to share two that involved him personally. The first involved an 8th grade student who was a behavior problem in all her classes. She was given many detentions and administrator referrals. Mr. D had talked to her multiple times and disciplined her for her actions. Each time this student gets in trouble, her father will email Mr. D complaining. The father worked as an environmental lawyer. He sent daily emails to the school and many were multiple pages. Some emails were just stating she will be picked up early and it is his right as her father to do so. Many referenced laws and treats that he will be suing the school.

One issue was related to her academics. This student was not classified as Special Ed, but struggled academically. Her grades usually averaged in the low 70’s. As a district policy, any student who has a grade of 75 or below is considered endanger of failing. The Administrators will meet with the student to explain that failing a class can result in retention. The father claimed that this was an “unlawful threat for retention”. The student was also receiving tutoring from a teacher at the school. He claimed that, if his daughter was to fail, it would be the result of the

D explained involved a teacher and a student. This 4th grade, tenured, teacher has been serving the district for over 10 years. She typically offered students the opportunity to stay during their special classes to receive additional help. One day she had a few students stay for help instead of going to music class. After completing a writing assignment, the students turned in her work to the teacher. The teacher told the student that it was not acceptable and passed the notebook to the student across the table. After two periods, the student decided to go to Mr. D office and claim that the teacher hit her in the neck. Mr. D also questioned the two teachers who had her after. One teacher stated that he saw her scratching her neck. He offered her to go to the nurse and to stop scratching her neck. The student ended up