Nathan Chambers Email & Phone Number

As I have gained more experience a a teacher, it has become clear to me that a teacher's role as a model for learning and behavior cannot be underestimated. Students need to experience their teacher's enthusiasm for learning. Students need guidance in developing a strong work ethic. Students need a strong role model from their teacher for being respected and for being respectful. I set high expectations for both academics and behavior. It is not enough to discourage poor behaviors. I expect my classroom to be a community where students are mutually supportive and tolerant of differences.Although my expertise is in Social Studies, I have found that my students' reading ability is the most primary skill they need. For the past four years seventy-five percent of my students have passed the OAA Reading Test. I have a very large personal collection of fiction and non-fiction books that I assign my students to read. When I assign a novel I also explore the non-fiction topics within the novel. In teaching Ancient History I explore the connections between Mesopotamian cultures and the way we measure time today - from the twelve hour clock face, to our twelve month calendar, to our seven day week. I compare religion and astrology in ancient cultures to deepen and broaden students' understanding of these issues. In Language Arts I assign novels that immerse students in the cultures of the societies they are studying in Social Studies.As a classroom teacher it is also important to recognize and determine the individual strengths and weaknesses of my students. I work closely with Special Educators to meet the needs of IEP students, and work to find effective accommodations for them.

Listed skills include Classroom Management, Differentiated Instruction, Classroom, Literacy, and 13 others.