I'm a TEACHER, a life long learner...
My name is Claudia Galvan, during my 9 years in the field of education I have learned an immense amount through professional development and personal experiences. Through the many challenges I have been able to reflect and modify the craft of teaching to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners. Having exceptional leadership I have been given the opportunity to take risks and implement innovative teaching methods. My passion is Bilingual Education and the Integration of Technology in Education. I completed a Masters degree in curriculum and instruction focusing on the integration of technology. It is through technology and cooperative learning that I have been able to successfully implement ELPS strategies to develop language skills. I am currently seeking a Principal Certification program that will allow me to begin my journey towards principal certification over the summer of 2019 and completely certified by August 2020.
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For the past 3 years I have been working with my districts Bilingual/ESL department in the role of ELL Instructional Specialist. Instructional coaching has been a journey of learning and growing as a leader. Building relationships is the basis for effective coaching and transforming schools through improving teacher practice. Monitoring and addressing systemic issues has allowed for improved outcomes for our children. Through coaching I have been able to monitor classroom instruction, use data to drive instructional coaching to pinpoint areas of need, and develop professional development opportunities to meet the needs of our teachers. Some of the PD I have developed include Verbs that drive instruction, Research Based Strategies to Promote written and oral communication, Path to language Development, and many others. I pride myself in creating Professional Development that allows for meaningful, hands on learning vs a sit and get approach.
In my personal philosophy of teaching, I believe that it is important to be consciously aware of the theory behind what I teach as well as the way that I teach. It is very empowering for me to understand the theories associated with my field and to be able to reflect those theories in my teaching approach. Considering Stephen Krashen’s theory of second language acquisition, my personal teaching philosophy is based on social constructivist and critical approaches to language acquisition. My teaching approach in Bilingual Education is to guide my students through the process of English language socialization while addressing theoretical considerations such as The learner’s preexisting knowledge, the social functions of language, whole language approach, individual creativity, student connection, and Teacher self-reflection.
Through a complex interaction between my personal philosophy of teaching and the theories behind my philosophy, I strive to develop the full potential of my students in the language learning context. As a guide on their journeys of linguistic discovery, I hope that I can foster skills in my students that will prepare them for greater social challenges and help them develop 21st century skills through the integration of technology and STEM lessons. In the process, I also hope to continually strive in creating a love for learning and instill in my students that they too will become life long learners.