Shiner-the-Surf-Dog

Katie Whitaker

Education:

B.A. Literature and Writing / Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject — Single Subject: English and Math Foundations / M.Ed. Advanced Learning and Cognitive Science with instructional Leadership

Teaching Philosophy:

I teach because I love to learn, and I believe that the love of learning is one of the most useful and important tools one can impart to the next generation of thinkers and doers. I teach my students to critically examine the world to make informed decisions about where they are and what skills they need to get where they want to be. Working at PVCS allows me to support my students’ learning goals and coach them through any challenges which arise along the way.

Lindsey Pak

Education:

B.A. Philosophy, Minor in Critical Approaches to Leadership / M.A. Teaching

Teaching Philosophy:

I like to approach new students in a way that reduces their affective filter. Whether they have been unsuccessful in schooling in the past, or have not been motivated to complete their education, I try to reassure them that mistakes, challenges, and setbacks are valuable in their learning process. My goal is to convey to all students that they have the capacity to learn and succeed. I teach difficult mathematical concepts in an easy to understand way with to make it relatable in the students’ daily life. As an educator, my hope is that students will build endurance, perseverance and determination through rewarding experiences at school, so that they will be enthusiastic life-long learners to inspire generations to come.

Kasandra Smith

Education:

National University (teaching credential); University of California San Diego (BA History).

Teaching Philosophy:

As a student, I loved to learn! One of my goals as an educator is to help students find what they are passionate about. One of the rewards that comes with being a teacher is seeing a student that struggled in a subject come to find that with help, they now enjoy that class and soon find themselves helping others in the class. As a student, there is nothing more frustrating them to be in a class that you do not understand and are not able to get help. As a teacher, I have the ability to help ease a student’s frustration by taking time to answer their questions and make the content easier to understand. I am rewarded every day as I see students realize their own potential and grow both academically and personally.

Joseph A. Chutuk

Education:

BS Business Administration (Finance)

Teaching Philosophy:

I teach to make a difference in my community, by helping and guiding youth in making the right decisions with their education. If I have played a part in their utilizing time management effectively to improve their grades and graduate, then I have done my job.

Dallas Smith

Education:

UCSD – B.S. Physics w/ Specialization in Astrophysics

Teacher Philosophy:

My educational philosophy is that every student has the ability to accomplish their goals when given the support he/she needs. Since every student is unique and has a different learning style, I believe it is essential for teachers to create a learning environment that fits the needs of every student. I love teaching at PVCS because I am able to work and meet with students one-on-one during weekly meetings and in a small classroom setting while teaching math. I also like that parents are involved in their child(ren)’s education and both the student and parent(s) always know how the student is doing in every class and what is expected of them.

Julie Raab

Education:

MA International Administration (Cross-Cultural Training) – The School for International Training, BA French & BA Political Science CSU, Fullerton

Teaching Philosophy:

I enjoy challenging students to think and to go beyond the 20 second sound bites and the tweets of the day. I want them to be well informed so that they feel empowered to make a difference in their communities.

Geoff Weeks

Education:

UC Davis – BA in Political Science. USC – Teaching Credential and MA in Education

Teaching Philosophy:

I want to support kids in their learning. This means making sure that they learn what they are supposed to, but it also means making it enjoyable for the student so that they actually care about the material. I believe that I can help students become better, more informed citizens. Mostly I like working with young people and I want to help them in any way that I can.

Diane Ransom

Education:

Masters in Multicultural Education & B. S. Biological Sciences with Emphasis in Zoology

Teaching Philosophy:

It is my hope that I can inspire students to be self-directed science learners. I enjoying teaching at PVCS because it allows me to meet the academic needs of students.

Kaitlin Clark

Education:

B.A in Literature and Writing Studies from CSUSM

Teaching Philosophy:

I became a high school English teacher because I love literature and writing and wanted to share my passion with students. For students to be successful in life, they need to be able to think critically and communicate effectively, and through teaching I can help students to achieve those goals. My educational philosophy is that we may graduate from high school but we are always lifelong learners and creative thinkers.

Byron Winick

Education:

B.A., UCLA, M.A. History, Teaching Certificate, SDSU

Teaching Philosophy:

I teach to help students reach their full potential, achieve college and career goals, and challenge themselves. I like the supportive environment at Pacific View Charter, where students get individual attention and support to succeed.

Lisa Detavernier

Education:

I have a Bachelor’s degree in English from Whittier College and a Master’s degree in Education from National University.

Teaching Philosophy:

I teach so that each of my students can come know a teacher who cares about their success as much as they do. I teach in hopes that my students will come to understand the necessity and joy of reading and writing. I like that I am able to meet with each of my students separately and am able to accommodate each of my student’s differing needs. I like that I am more connected to parents and parents are more connected to their student’s educational process and progress. I like the options that we have for our students that allow them the freedom or structure they need to be successful.

Kathi Cohen

Education:

B. S. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Teaching Credential-Cal State Bakersfield

Teaching Philosophy:

It is all about the student and helping them achieve success. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student graduate after previous struggles. I also love training and helping teachers at our school. I love how our school individualizes learning. Not all students are cut from the same cloth. We really get a chance to to get to know students because we work one on one with them for their entire 4 years of high school or the duration of time they are with us.

 

Jodi Campanelli

Education:

Cal State San Marcos (Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Teaching Credential)

Teaching Philosophy:

I believe every child has the ability to learn, grow, and mature and I love being part of that process. Learning is a journey and I find helping students on that journey to be very rewarding. I enjoy taking my time explaining concepts in multiple ways and getting to know my students based on their own individual strengths. One of the reasons I teach is to see the “light-bulb” come on when a student grasps a new concept. I definitely consider teaching a lifestyle and it has been my calling since I was a little girl.

Robert Merrill

College:

Virginia Tech – BA in Geography, Radford University – Education: Curriculum and Instruction

Teaching Philosophy:

My educational philosophy is one of centered on effort. In life, and in learning, it isn’t about being the best, its about doing your best. It is when one strives to do their best that they realize their full potential to do great things and be who they want to be. I teach to help others realize what they can truly be.