NAME:
Mrs. Birkbeck
SCHOOL:
Ford Elementary
CLASS:
3rd Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
(678) 594-8092
Mrs. Birkbeck is starting her eighteenth year at Ford Elementary. She and
her family moved to Georgia twenty-two years ago from Arlington, TX where
she was a stay-at-home mother raising her two sons. Jay, now twenty-nine
works for Valic as a finance specialist. She is thrilled that Jay is married
to Katherine, a wonderful daughter-in-law. Katherine is a professional
photographer. Mark,
now twenty-six, works for A Room of Their Own.
Prior to the birth of her sons, she taught first and second grade in
Indianapolis, IN.
Undergraduate studies were completed at Miami University in Oxford, OH.
Masters was completed at Lesley University. She is gifted certified for the
state of GA.
It is my belief that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure,
caring, and stimulating atmosphere to grow and mature emotionally,
intellectually, physically, and socially. As an educator it is my desire to
help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by creating an
environment that is safe, invites sharing of ideas, and supports risk-
taking. There are three areas I believe are favorable to establishing such
an environment. First, the teacher should act as a guide, not as the
primary source of information. Second, the instructor should allow the
child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, having the opportunity
to study things that are meaningful and relevant fosters intrinsic
motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. Last, it is important to
promote respect for all things and all people. When the voice of each
student is heard, children develop a deep love and respect for themselves
and others.
