NAME:
Ms. Merle Morgan
SCHOOL:
North Columbus Elementary School
CLASS:
4th - 5th Grade ELA/SS
SCHOOL PHONE:
706 748-3183, (cell) 706 604-5037, (home) 334 298-0772
I am a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education,
grades 1-9. I have a double Masters in Elementary Education and Educational
Leadership. Additionally, I acquired an Educational Specialist Degree. I am
also Gifted Certified.
When I first began my career in teaching, I taught Art and Drama to all
grades in a private school setting for seven years. Twenty-four years ago I
entered the public school sector as an elementary teacher in Muscogee County.
I served five years as an Academic Coach before re-entering the classroom as
a 4th-5th grade looping ELA/Social Studies Teacher at North Columbus.
I have three grown children, Nataly, Ellie, and Joshua. I live on a one
hundred acre farm in Alabama, near Seale. Many animals call my farm home, as I
offer a home to unwanted and uncared for animals. The farm also serves as a
refuge for deer and birds.
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 an 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.
When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather
than acting as the primary source of information, the students' search for
knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For
students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for
themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students
access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use
materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for
individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.
Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things
that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a
curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and
stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction
relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons
and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas
and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created
or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are
motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.
Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others,
and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious
approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and
environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class
meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe children have
greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented
when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and
consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity,
students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to
respect themselves, others, and their environment.
Children have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys, the
innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, I will
never forget how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the
children.
