Janel Richardson

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My name is Mrs. Richardson and I teach CTE Digital Art I & 2. I grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and love being able to teach in the same district I was educated. I have developed my teaching philosophy through multiple experiences over a long period of time. I have had the opportunity to view many lenses of the educational institution that have molded me into the well rounded teacher I am today. These lenses have allowed me to experience education through the eyes of a student, parent, volunteer, and an educator. As a parent, I have had the privilege of raising four different children who have helped me understand that every child, teacher, curriculum, and strategies all play a different part in the role of education.

Furthermore, my educational background is a useful asset to capture the psyche and hearts of children as well as educating them. I spent many years in college focusing on the social-emotional aspects of the psyche and earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis. However, as I grew older, I understood that my true passion is teaching. I then pursued my Master of Education, Single Subject Teaching Credential, and CTE credential. I have been a member of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology since 2004 and a member of the Honor Society for education since 2020. I use my psychology and educational background as assets to help students' lives emotionally and academically.

My most important goal as a teacher is to connect with every student on an emotional level and help them achieve a higher academic success. Below are some methods that I use and the philosophy with which I approach teaching in order to achieve these goals.

Capturing Kids' Hearts:
Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a research based program that has been proven to work. This professional development course has taught me how to create high-achieving centers of learning by strengthening students’ connectedness to others. It helps me focus on enhancing student's healthy bonds within the class and establish collaborative agreements of acceptable behavior. Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a process that is working in thousands of classrooms across the country. I feel the program gives me the tools I can use to engage and challenge students. I believe in this program because it coexists with my personal philosophy which focuses on students’ social, emotional and academic performance.

Supporting English Language Learners:
As a teacher in California, it is my duty to understand and implement all the tools necessary to help English Learners improve. My graduate studies incorporated many strategies and focuses on English learners that equip me to help students acquire proficiency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible while teaching rigorous grade-level academic standards. Specifically, I implement SDAIE and SIOP strategies to assist English Learners. Meeting these goals will help close the achievement gap that separates English learners and help bring all students to academic success.

Inclusive Classroom Environment:
My classroom is one in which members feel respected by and connected to one another. The environment integrates an open, comfortable and energetic atmosphere. I seek to motivate my students to participate actively in our discussions and further their desire to learn the materials in an excited way. I am available often for students. For example, I always offer open office hours, giving my students more opportunities to ask questions and address their needs. My lessons incorporate many SDAIE and SIOP strategies to enhance understanding of vocabulary and key concepts. These lessons will include rich collaboration and scaffolding to increase academic success for all students.

Work Experience