Post #3

From Chapter 1

“It occurs as teachers become increasingly proficient in understanding their students as individuals, increasingly comfortable with the meaning and structure of the disciplines they teach, and increasingly expert at teaching flexibility in order to match instruction to student need with the goal of maximizing the potential of each learner in a give area.” (p. 3, FPDC) I am inspired by this quote because it is something I can achieve through a differentiated classroom. I want to be a teacher that understands that my students are individuals. I want to be flexible. I want my students to each learn and grow in their own way in my classroom. I want to be a teacher that empowers all of my students.

“Each day is a revelation.” (p. 9, FPDC) I think this is the key to success as a teacher. I know that I can learn something new everyday. I can change my teaching everyday and everyday should look different from the day before. I can continually learn and progress as a teacher.

From Chapter 2

“Each learner need to come to see that he of she is a nonnegotiable part of the classroom system with independent parts. The system needs that part—that student—to function effectively and vigorously.” (p. 17, FPDC) I love, love, love how this quote says that each student is a nonnegotiable part of the classroom. I think this is the purpose of differentiation. It is to empower children and help them understand how important they are to their own learning and the education of their classmates. Each student brings a unique view and can help create a powerful classroom. I want each student to know they are valued and important in my classroom.

“Challenge in the classroom gives root and wings to young dreams. It prepares learners with the substance, habits, and confidence necessary to move toward their dream.” (p. 19, FPDC) I want my class to have be challenging and to stretch the minds of each student. I want to know my class well enough that I can challenge each student in a different way. I need to remember to challenge all and to use the skills of differentiation to create challenges for each student to face.

From Chapter 3

“’I want to be a leader in creating a place where each of you becomes more keenly aware of the possibilities in yourself, the people around you, and the power of knowledge. In this place, I want to find together a good way to live.’” (p 26, FPDC) I want to have a classroom where I am learning form the students and they are learning from me. I want to be the leader as we together explore new ideas and thoughts. I want each student to know that they can achieve greatness and I want my students to trust each other and me.