Katherine Matusevich
Internationally Minded.
Spartan Educator.
Life- Long Learner.
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Teaching Philosophy
Hands on Minds on
I am a firm believer that children need to have experiences with educational concepts in order to fully internalize their meaning. Therefore, in my class we are always testing our existing knowledge and challenging these beliefs with experiments and hands on activities. This, in turn, sparks curiosity among children and develops a love of learning. In our class, we embrace this interest and make everyday a new adventure!
Global Education
The concept behind global education is to not only to educate our students of different histories and cultures, but also show them how everyone is interconnected. If we celebrate the differences of people around the world, then we can create a more unified community in the future. In my classroom, we embrace this global view and celebrate what makes us unique.
Equity
During my time as both a student and an educator, there is one idea that is undeniable; people learn in different ways. I believe that children have the right to an education that supports their needs. I accomplish this in my class through MTSS (multi-tiered system of support) and differentiated instruction. For example, I use the workshop model during literacy and math time. Thus, circulating the children around to different stations, allows me to meet each child at the academic level that is right for them. I also use data from the testing system in our district (STAR) to help identify the students that need more support. Once recognized, I provide additional instruction to those children and closely monitor their progress. I am determined to find what each student needs and provide instruction that allows the student to reach their full potential!
Positive Culture
​From the first day of school to the last, my students walk in the classroom and are greeted with a hug, high five or “good morning.” As an educator, I understand how important it is to foster an environment where children feel safe and supported. In my class, I use almost exclusively positive reinforcement to correct unwanted behavior and praise hard work. My students know that I am here to challenge them and push them to be the best that they can be. However, at the end of the day, my students walk away understanding that we are a “classroom family” and we are here for one another.
Who I Am
At the end of everyday, I leave school with the same goals for my students; be an advocate for your own learning, respect your neighbor and stay open minded to each other’s differences. From visiting my mother’s classroom as a child and frequently meeting the students whose lives she had touched, I knew teaching was my purpose in life. I saw the kind of impact that my mother made, and how her love, support and encouragement, inspired others to be the best version of themselves. I built these “educator dreams” with the foundation of helping others. I knew I wanted to “be the difference.” I wanted to be the teacher who would stand up for a child when no one else would. I want to be person who helps a child “see” the world, appreciate other places and cultures. My philosophy as an educator is simple; through respecting one another, we create a caring community in our class. As we grow together, we recognize and celebrate each other’s differences. It is through this culture that we explore, create, and grow.
