1. I have always believed that
education is one of the most
influential aspects of a
child’s life, one that
broadens their perspective,
cultivates their ability to
think and shapes their
worldview. It was in the
classroom that I began to
ask important questions,
develop my interests,
discover the complexities of
relationships, and recognize
my passions. I truly believe that the role of a teacher is
as great a responsibility as it is a privilege.
I believe that the best teachers are those who approach
new challenges with creativity and flexibility, those
who can collaborate well with their colleagues and
administrators, and those who are avid learners
themselves. Teachers need to be creative in their
teaching methods in order to meet the diverse needs
and styles of learning.
The role of the teacher is to facilitate an engaging,
dynamic and safe learning environment. Perhaps the
most fundamental aspect of a successful learning
environment is the structure that the teacher
establishes. I firmly believe that classroom
management is the foundation of a successful and
engaging lesson. A teacher must establish a structure
and a rhythm for the class that will instill a sense of
safety in the environment, one that encourages
students to think freely and ask questions without fear
of being laughed at or reprimanded. By creating this
solid and intentional structure, the possibility of
successfully implementing a creative or
unconventional lesson is more likely.
I believe the best way to learn and synthesize
information is to personally grapple with the material,
actively engaging oneself in open discussion and
experiential lessons. The role of a teacher is to create
this structure and facilitate a space that encourages
students to think for themselves and encounter the
material on both a personal and communal level. In my
classroom, students will engage in lessons that allow
them to both individually and collaboratively construct
meaning. The process will help students learn the
course content along with life skills such as
communication, cooperation and compromise.
Over the past school year, I have had the opportunity
to spend my student teaching residency at Unionville
High School teaching both ninth and twelfth grade
students. The experience has been invaluable to me.
At Unionville, I have seen the necessity of thorough
planning, the importance of collaboration and the
significance of assessing and adjusting while teaching
a lesson. I have had the chance to work with two
experienced educators who have mentored me and
given me thorough and specific feedback. Between
both of my classrooms, I have had the opportunity to
experiment with various teaching methods and lesson
structures to see what works well for me and for a
particular class. I have had many experiences where my
lesson may work well with one class, but needs to be
modified for another class based on the students and
the culture the class has created. It has been very
beneficial to create these modifications during the
planning phase, as well as making changes during the
implementation of a lesson.
I am drawn to teaching English because the content
and the nature of the subject itself has always been
inspiring to me. Through the teaching of literature and
the cultivation of writing skills, students have the
potential to become critical thinkers, effective
communicators, successful collaborators, aware
individuals, and conscientious global citizens. That
feels like a fulfilling way to live my life.
Introducing… Kendra DeMicco
Kendra has taught 9th grade Academic English, 1st level 12th grade English, 12th grade British and World
Literature Survey, Sports Literature, and 12th grade Literature, Society and Self at Unionville High School
in Kennett Square, PA. She may be contacted at kdemicco@udel.edu.
MAT Teacher Residency Program NewsletterPage 2
Watching Kendra teach reminds me of a line from
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, "...I am fearless, and
therefore powerful."
She enthusiastically approaches any task with a fierce
determination. Her focus is clearly on making sure
that the students engage with and learn the subject
matter. Because of her charm, wit and integrity, she
has easily connected with staff and students.
Erica Sorrentino-Sutton
English Teacher, Unionville High School