2. Credentials
University of Alabama, 2000-2004
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
• Graduated cum laude.
• Honors include President’s and Dean’s Lists
Jemison Elementary, 2004-2013
First Grade Teacher
• Taught multi-cultural students reading, math, phonics, grammar, spelling, science, and
social studies.
• Led first grade teachers as First Grade Representative (2006-2008).
• Served on the DIBELS team (2006-2012).
• Developed the Continuing Improvement Plan with fellow colleagues (2007-2008).
• Counselor Advisory Team (2009-2010)
• Administered the Stanford Achievement Test to first graders.
3. Philosophy of Education
• Child-Centered with Teacher
Direction
• Hands on with lots of movement
through songs. Songs help children
learn.
• Manipulatives
5. Instructional Strategies
Reading Instruction
• Harcourt Brace/Reading Street
• Daily Five (April 1st)
• Small Groups (low, medium, high)
• Phonics & Spelling
• Comprehension Skills (Author’s Purpose, Cause and
Effect, Compare & Contrast, Draw Conclusions, Main
Idea, Theme)
• Literary Elements (Character, Plot, Setting)
• Grammar & Writing
• Accelerated Reader
6. Struggling Reader
• Extra small group (Voyager, sight
words, letter sounds, fluency)
• One-on-one tutoring
• Parent activities
• Consult specialist or colleague
7. Reading Centers
Rotating Centers
Six Centers
• 2 Sight Words
• 2 Fluency
• 2 Phonics/Reading
Comprehension
Content changes every
9 weeks.
Daily Five
• Five Components
• Read the Self
• Work on Writing
• Read to Someone
• Listening
• Word Work
Content changes based
on student’s needs.
8. Instructional Strategies
Math Instruction
• Harcourt/Envision
• Calendar (date, time, money, place value,
days of the week, months)
• Problem of the Day
• Manipulatives
• Addition/Subtraction Practice
• Accelerated Math
• Moby Math
12. Classroom Management
Clip Chart Method
A simple discipline
strategy for
promoting positive
behavior.
Discipline is teaching, not punishment.
—T. Berry Brazelton
13. Classroom Management
What would I do for a
constantly disruptive student?
• Find out what causing the problem
• Does the child have ADHD?
• Schedule a conference with the parents
• Set goals for the child with
rewards/consequences
• Give extra attention or responsibility
18. Team Collaboration
• Struggling Readers
• Share Ideas
• Monthly Data Meetings
• PowerPoints for Reading
• Math Games, Resources
19. Committees
• Continuing Improvement Team
• Social Committee
• Read Across America Committee
• Mentor
• Counselor Advisory Team
• Grade Level Representative
• DIBELS Team
• Relay for Life Team (JES)
Interest: Yearbook Committee
20. School Improvement
• Parent Involvement
• Parenting Classes
• Open House
Skit at Open House about AR and Homework
with a fellow first grade teacher
21. Special Education
Dyslexia
• Colored Overlays
• Scottish Rite Foundation
• Large Print
• Pencil grip
• Reread and highlight clues
• Reduce quantity of work
22. Special Education
ADHD
• Repeat, repeat, repeat
• Reassure
• Encourage
• Hands on
• Move around
• Set timer, fold paper, shorten assignments
27. References
Louise Pitts, Principal
Jemison Elementary School
205.280.4820
lpitts@chilton.k12.al.us
Sherry Fancher, Asst. Principal
Jemison Elementary School
205.280.4820
sfancher@chilton.k12.al.us
Cheryl Thompson, Reading Coach
Jemison Elementary School
205.280.4820
cthompson@chilton.k12.al.us
Natasha Marshall, Teacher
Jemison Elementary School
205.280.4820
nmcdowell@chilton.k12.al.us
Sophie Martin
Alabaster City Council
205.358.8742
slmartin@bcbsal.org
Cindy Morris
Former Shelby County Teacher
205.253.6311
brentncindy@yahoo.com
