|
|
|
Scott Sommer,
Excellence in Teaching Awardee
Philosophy of Teaching
As an experienced, successful teacher of 14 years, I assumed that composing an essay on my philosophy of teaching would be rather easy. It proved more complex than I had thought. Though I don't presume to be the ultimate authority on the subject, I have concluded that there are five key elements to good teaching:
First, it's a belief in and passion for ones mission. Teaching is
a truly noble profession. Being in a position to
help plant the seeds of learning, and nurture them
in the next generation of leaders, is
an exciting and awesome responsibility to be appreciated
and respected. I witnessed this in my father who
was a college professor and administrator,
in several of my teachers as I grew up, and I see
it every day in many of my colleagues. I am honored
to be among those that have this opportunity
and cherish each day that I'm able to do it.
Second, it's a love of those you teach and a commitment to always
be "student focused." One must have an understanding and
genuine concern for students' feelings, an appreciation
for their various talents, an interest in their pasts,
present and futures, and a sense
of fulfillment and pride in their accomplishments.
My students always know that they are a source of
great pride and joy to me and, as with
my own children, I am never afraid to tell them so.
Third, a love of one's subject is important and can be infectious.
My particular passion is for American History, and
I urge my students to consider it as an incredible story, filled with
amazing characters
and events - sometimes more fantastic than fiction.
Furthermore, it is our story - how we make mistakes, achieve
greatness, face and overcome challenges and progress as a people.
I
explain to each
student in my room that he or she is potentially
as important a character in this story as any other.
They are creating and living the current
chapters of this story, and they and their posterity
will write the future chapters. History then becomes
personal and relevant, and I
make it my job to present it in this way throughout
the year.
Fourth, the creation of a fun, comfortable and intellectually stimulating
learning environment is critical. I strive to create
this atmosphere from the decor of my room to the
use of humor and high intellectual
expectations in the lesson presentations, discussions
and activities. Students feel encouraged and safe
to share their opinions, and I believe
my class is one that they enjoy coming to and leave
with a feeling of accomplishment. My objectives in
this area are perhaps best stated
in the pledge to my students posted in my room:
Here's what I want to do for you:
- Provide a comfortable, positive atmosphere where you can have fun and learn!
- Encourage you to do your best at all times and be proud of yourself!
- Instill a love of learning that will enrich your life now and in the future!
- Promote respect, understanding, and kindness for the benefit of us all!
- Help you in any way I can to achieve your goals!
Fifth, and finally, I believe that professionalism is a key factor
in good teaching. This includes comporting oneself
in a professional, positive manner without taking
oneself too seriously, working cooperatively
with colleagues and administration, and contributing
to the betterment of one's campus, district, and
profession through mentoring, teambuilding
and leadership. Students are impacted too as witnesses
and beneficiaries of this conduct.
Over 14 years of teaching, I have tried to focus on these five elements:
belief in my mission, love of my students, a passion
for my subject, the creation of the right atmosphere
and professional conduct. I believe
that when these conditions are created, fostered,
balanced and maintained, good teaching and student
success are the result. In this way, our
primary mission is achieved, because these children
truly are our future.
I am honored, humbled and
affirmed in my beliefs by this
recognition from my colleagues. I find beautiful
wisdom and a summation of my teaching philosophy,
in the contemplative words of an early 20th
century poet, artist and writer Khalil Gibran: "Keep me away
from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy
which does not laugh and the greatness which does
not bow before children."
Educational
/ Professional Background
University Degrees
- MA in History - University of North Texas
- BA (Cum
Laude) - History/English
Meadows Excellence in Education Program Scholar
(3.92 GPA)
- Dallas County Community Colleges
- Elkins Institute of Dallas - Broadcasting
Program
- Plano Senior High School, Class of 1979
Teaching Experience
- 2000 - Present - Rice Middle School, American/Texas
History Teacher/Team Leader
- 1993 to 2000 - Little Elm Middle School and High
School, Texas History, ESL, Special Education
Teacher, District
ESL Coordinator
School
Principal Recommendation
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Scott Sommer, Rice Middle School Teacher of the Year. Scott stands out among a field of highly successful educators as a dynamic teacher and a man of great character. Scott was chosen by his peers as Teacher of the Year at Rice, but he would also have been selected by his students and their parents for this role. Scott is a respected and beloved member of the Rice community.
I have had the opportunity to stop in Scott's classroom
often. I have found that as an administrator sometimes
my cup runs low, and I need to be re-energized. When
I'm feeling that way I visit Scott Sommer's room.
Watching him teach and interact with his students
helps me re-focus on what is good and right in the
world. Scott employs a vibrant dialogue with his
students as he teaches. There is no long, tedious
lecturing. He asks questions, listens, adds to what
the students contribute, encourages them to think
and take risks. Scott Sommer builds confidence in
each student and his/her ability to analyze and problem
solve.
Personally, I am not a history buff. I often drift to sleep on the sofa while my husband is raptly watching the History Channel. But Scott Sommer makes history come alive even for me. He humanizes the characters and teaches history like the courageous story it really is. He knows the facts, how the stories all connect, and he teaches with a love for the people who sacrificed so much so we could have a better life.
Scott Sommer does not just inspire me when I need
a boost. He inspires his students. Part of what I
love about visiting his classroom is watching him
teach, but the other part is watching how the students
respond to him. It is delightful to observe Scott
bring every student into the discussions and watch
the obvious pleasure of the students participating.
United States History involves some important topics:
loyalty, cultural diversity, fairness, economics,
conflict resolution and pursuit of dreams. At this
critical time in a young person's life, Scott navigates
them through these issues and helps them understand
their own beliefs while developing understandings
that will provide guideposts when they are in uncertain
territory.
Scott is known as a man of great character by everyone at Rice Middle School. He is a devoted husband and the father of three active boys. He is a leader in our school. Scott served as a Team Leader for the Navigator Team for four years. When budget cuts required a staff reduction and loss of the team planning time, we had to consolidate some of our teaching positions. Scott volunteered to move from 8th grade History to a split 7th and 8th grade team.
Two years ago, Scott moved from a Team Leader position
to Social Studies Department head. Rice students
have had a 100% passing rate on TAKS under his leadership.
Scott also served as the New Teacher Mentor coordinator
for two years. He shared his insights on working
with students and parents and provided a listening
ear to new teachers or frustrated mentors. Scott
has helped develop effective, caring teachers in
our building through all his leadership roles.
Over the past two years, Scott has coordinated our
Mandatory Tutorial program and our Saturday School
program. Mandatory tutorials are required for any
student who failed for a six weeks. Saturday School
is available as needed for students to complete unfinished
work or missed class time. Scott keeps all the teachers
on track with their parent contacts, ensures the
students stay on task during Saturday School, and
returns the completed work to the teachers. If one
piece of the process in not working, the whole program
falls apart. Scott keeps it running like a well-oiled
machine and as a result, Rice has a low failure
rate. Most students complete their work the first
time!
Scott Sommer influences the culture of Rice
Middle School and impacts the actions of students,
parents and staff through his gentle leadership
and commitment to excellence. The title Teacher
of the Year only begins to describe Scott Sommer.
He
is so much more to each of us, and we are better
people because of him.
Sincerely,
Gail Stelter, Principal
|
|
