Introduction


 * //__Jessica McCollum's Introduction __ //**

In pursuance of my educational goals I began my involvement with Prince George’s Community College in January 2006. At the time I was employed as a Senior Payroll Specialist with a large payroll accounting company. When my desire to teach strengthened, I then decided to resign from the position I had become financially accustomed, in order to pursue my dream of teaching. In August 2007 I began working for Prince George’s County Public Schools as a Paraprofessional Educator. As a Paraprofessional Educator I assist with maintaining visual and auditory supervision of the children; assist with implementing daily instructions provided to the children; ability to work with diverse populations; knowledge of school organization, goals and objectives, curriculum, teaching techniques, current trends, research, and materials of instruction in field of specialization; exhibit excellent knowledge and understanding of the teaching and learning process; demonstrate the ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education; ability to infuse technology into curriculum; ability to work effectively with students, parents, administrators, colleagues, community, and other school system staff; provide excellent oral and communication skills. Currently, I am a full time student with Bowie State University and I look forward to completing my degree requirements so I can provide a high level of academic nurturing to the youth of our future. My special interest as an educator is to provide support to students with behavioral problems. This would include but not limited to, interactive sessions focusing on development of effective approaches to conflict in the school, home, work and social environments. Life skills training, which are interactive sessions focusing on skills development in areas such as socialization, personal development, and proficient academic achievement.

My philosophy on learning involves allowing children to learn through many different ways. I believe learning through play creates a social environment in which children can learn from each other. In a positive and encouraging environment, children will engage in group activities that provide a balance of work and play. I believe, once a child becomes comfortable with their knowledge level and each task has been mastered, the curriculum should adjust to their new level of performance. This process is known as scaffolding. With the participation of parent involvement to inspire our youth, and the structure of daily routines, schedules and creativity, to include cultural involvement, our children’s self confidence will explode. In addition, with the assistance of mental processes such as memory games, decision making and social interactions, our youth will be empowered to reach their fullest learning capacity.