Meet+Miss+O'Brien



**Brockton Public Schools** **Huntington Elementary School** **Grade 4 Room 103** **1121 Warren Avenue** **Brockton, MA 02301** **508-580-7235**  email: __marybethobrien@bpsma.org__ Blog: [|http://blog.community103.pbwiki.comWebsite]|[|http://blog.community103.pbwiki.com] Website: [|http://community103.pbwiki.com] ||
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**About Me:**
I grew up in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School in 2000. I am a graduate of Northeastern University Class of 2004, with a degree in Political Science and Elementary Education. Following my undergraduate degree, I pursued a Masters of Education in Urban Education from Simmons College. I am a techno-constructivist who believes that learning can take place at any moment. I began teaching at the Huntington School in 2004 and have taught fourth grade since. Each new year brings a new experience. I learn along with my students and we embrace one another's differences and learn from them.

Philosophy of Education:
Teaching is an art.It is a craft that requires a meticulous eye, a meta-cognitive mind, and a true sense of self.With each passing day, a teacher is required to look beyond the physical state of being they see before them and into the eyes, hearts, minds and lives of each individual they meet.At the onset of school, the children in my classroom and those that I pass in the halls are viewed as a member of a unique community. Community is the foundation for all learning. First, students are members of the Brockton Community, then the Huntington School Community, and finally the Room 103 Community.In addition to the art and craft nature of teaching, teaching is an essence – an essence of security.Community cannot be established without a profound sense of security and safety.

As a class, we learn what this simple word “community” means and then understand exactly what it is and who it is that creates such a community.It is necessary that with each passing year, the students construct the meaning of this word as well as the meaning of who they are in order to behave in such a way that maintains and protects the fragile, secure, and safe environment for which they interact.Although it is understood that every child who walks through my classroom door is capable of meeting the expectations and standards, however, it is necessary for students to demonstrate an understanding and respect for community in that all students feel safe to take risks and experiment as they travel along this successful path of the acquisition of knowledge. It has been my experience that the learning that takes place in my classroom correlates directly with the community in which you build.Students must be looked at as capable sophisticated learners.A teacher must view each student as an individual with specific talents, needs, and knowledge which shapes the unique community; therefore, there are no two communities that are exactly the same.

Reflecting upon my teaching, education, and practice is something I have come to do often in each new year of teaching.Throughout the years, my definition of teaching has evolved.I believe a teacher has to wear many hats whereby despite all the planning one does prior to each lesson, it is the spontaneous teaching moments that are the most valuable and meaningful in the process.These spontaneous and teachable moments are valid to the student when they know that they are active participants in their own knowledge, explorers and constructivists.

The student and teacher as explorers and together they create the knowledge, conditions, and lessons to grow all the while their destination is always the same...success.The primary role of the teacher is to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge.The facilitator must be prepared, ready and able to change the route or plan when necessary.

My students are taught on the first day of school that we are all learners who have come together to form a safe community where we recognize one another’s differences and embrace them.We learn not only from the teacher but from each other, from the entire school community, and from our differences.As a teacher, my role is to facilitate the growth and development of the student.Each student is an explorer and together we create knowledge, conditions, and the lessons to grow.Students must be active participants in their future outcomes of learning in that they are enabled to continue to be producers of great thoughts when a teacher is not there to assist them.

The basis for all learning is a community based on respect, diversity, safety and risk-taking.This community shapes and drives instruction of which is differentiated to accommodate all learners.Reflecting upon the process and outcomes of a day’s practice instills a sense of ownership and deeper understanding of concepts.