Success is a journey.

Liberty University

EXIT PORTFOLIO

Administration and Leadership

Melanie C Lewis

212 Graves Drive

Forest VA 24551

HM: 434-385-6231

CL:  434-444-1514

Mentoring and sharing my experiences with new professionals is a central part of my progress as an academic.  I’ve been fortunate enough to have a wide variety of teaching experiences as a graduate student at Liberty University; located in Lynchburg, VA.  My degree is in Educational Administration and Leadership.  I hope to use the experiences I’ve had at LU as I progress in my desire to help new professionals as they enter the field of education.  The reflective benefit of mentoring new professionals and earning my degree, I am now more cognizant of my own teaching skills and the pedagogical tenets behind those skills.

My philosophy of teaching is largely a reflection of my philosophy of living.  I believe that each day we are all both teachers and learners.   And if we are reflective practitioners, our lives truly become enriched by our experiences.  I strive to encourage others to develop a lifelong commitment of personal growth, and to see the beauty in life that surrounds them and that is within – to inspire them.

I believe that the interaction between teaching and learning is an intricate one.  As a teacher, I saw myself as a facilitator of learning.  I tried to set the stage for learning to take place by creating an informal, stimulating and creative environment.  I have found that where there is interest and motivation without fear of condemnation, there is most often learning taking place.  This is especially true in elementary classrooms, where I believe motivation is critical for success.  Maintaining a balance of intrigue and victory provides a nice structure for students to achieve mastery of skills and an appreciation for learning.

I view all with which I work, students and staff, as an individuals and honor different learning styles, abilities and frustrations with sensitivity and respect.  This is where patience, differentiated instruction and accommodation become integral components of my teaching style. I believe in support and encouragement for all.   In order to implement my philosophy, I try to be an example. I share my own views and experiences. I have discovered that teachers, both the new professionals and the veteran teacher have the same basic fears as the students.  They want to know that they will be accepted regardless of fears and failures.  I relate  how I have changed as a person and continue to grow, thus providing them with a reason to take risks.  I also prepare many different types of lessons and challenge them to be able to justify their beliefs.  I encourage others to look for and appreciate the elegance of their everyday worlds.

When I first began teaching, I modeled my teaching style after a mixture of good professors and teachers I had.  Over the years, I have gained confidence, experience through teaching and professional development, and mostly I have learned from my students ways to improve my teaching.  I continue to look for and develop innovative methods which will have an impact in my calling.