Valerie R. Burton
I am a mother of two and teacher of many.
I am an English/Language Arts teacher from New Orleans, Louisiana. I blog for myself, my students and for my colleagues. I am a techie junkie and I tweet often and blog daily.
I enjoy finding ways to integrate technology into my class. I use my Twitter and Facebook PLN to gain invaluable resources that I share with colleagues and implement into my classes.
Using technology allows me to have access to a variety of tools to help a student "see" what I am referring to, so that his/her experience can be richer as we explore their writing potential. My integration of technology also allows my students to create work that shows everyone their creativity and brilliance. My site is a documentation of the journey that I am on as I seek academic superiority on my part and on their part.
I am an English/Language Arts teacher from New Orleans, Louisiana. I blog for myself, my students and for my colleagues. I am a techie junkie and I tweet often and blog daily.
I enjoy finding ways to integrate technology into my class. I use my Twitter and Facebook PLN to gain invaluable resources that I share with colleagues and implement into my classes.
Using technology allows me to have access to a variety of tools to help a student "see" what I am referring to, so that his/her experience can be richer as we explore their writing potential. My integration of technology also allows my students to create work that shows everyone their creativity and brilliance. My site is a documentation of the journey that I am on as I seek academic superiority on my part and on their part.
Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of education is to provide an inquiry-based atmosphere. I use project based learning and technology to make learning enjoyable for all. Because my students have a variety of strengths, weakness and learning styles, I design each lesson so that it is diversified enough so that all students are able to succeed.
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child’s natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child’s natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.
Professional Degrees, Positions and Memberships
Bachelor Business Administration, Marketing
Master of Education
Louisiana Council of Teachers of English Executive Board - English Expo Chairperson
Greater New Orleans Writing Project Teacher Consultant
Discovery Educators Network - STAR teacher and Leadership Council
Intel Technology Trainer
Master of Education
Louisiana Council of Teachers of English Executive Board - English Expo Chairperson
Greater New Orleans Writing Project Teacher Consultant
Discovery Educators Network - STAR teacher and Leadership Council
Intel Technology Trainer
Teaching Experience
Teacher at West Jefferson High School, Harvey, Louisiana (August, 2007 – Present)
Subjects taught: English IV, Advanced Placement Literature, English I and Intermediate Composition
Teacher at Edna Karr Secondary School, Algiers, Louisiana, United States (August, 2006 – May, 2007)
Subjects taught: English II and English IV
Teacher at Marion Abramson Senior High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (January, 1997 – August, 2005)
Subjects taught: English I, English II and Reading I
Subjects taught: English IV, Advanced Placement Literature, English I and Intermediate Composition
- Schoolwide Positive Behavior Intervention Support Team Leader
- Served as Department Head for three years
- Winner for May, 2009 Exemplary 21st teaching and learning contest! A contest sponsored by Jefferson Parish’s Technology Department
- Chosen as one of Intel's Inspiring Teachers
Teacher at Edna Karr Secondary School, Algiers, Louisiana, United States (August, 2006 – May, 2007)
Subjects taught: English II and English IV
- Worked on Student Magazine
Teacher at Marion Abramson Senior High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (January, 1997 – August, 2005)
Subjects taught: English I, English II and Reading I
- Served as Testing Coordinator for 3 years
- Served as Peer Mediation Facilitator for 4 years
- Served as GEE Remediation Coordinator for 3 years