Mr. John P. Blackwell, Ed.S.
The education and experiences bringing me to this point in my life and career have been quite
diverse and unquestionably formative. I first made the decision and set the goal of becoming an
educator for one simple reason: I enjoy teaching and working with children.
My life as an adult began shortly after graduating high school in 1985 when I enlisted in the United
States Army. Although initially unplanned, the Army became my first career, spanning the next
twenty years. It was during this time that I earned both my undergraduate and masters degrees in
education from Brenau University.
Much of my experience in the military has been invaluable. From planning and implementation to
organization and teamwork, I have developed and refined many attributes crucial to my effectiveness
and continued growth as an educator. I was trained in several Military Occupational Specialties for
various positions of responsibility, including Information Systems Supervisor, which I held for the last
ten years of my career. Accolades and awards I am most humbled and proud to have received include
the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal.
In 1995 I completed my field experience in the classroom of former Sarah Smith 5th grade teacher,
Mrs. Betty Conley. For the next ten years I used most of my off-duty time from the Army to work as
a substitute teacher in various grade levels, primarily at Sarah Smith. I was fortunate to be hired as a
full-time teacher shortly after my retirement from the military. The 2011-2012 school year marks
my sixth year teaching 4th grade at Sarah Smith. I was honored to be selected as SRS Teacher of the
Year for 2008-2009.
I have recently completed the requirements for my Educational Specialist (Ed.S) degree at Walden
University and am currently pursuing my Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D), with an anticipated
completion date of January 2013. My doctoral research focuses on technology integration in the
elementary classroom.
My educational philosophy is drawn from a variety of perspectives and theories on teaching and
learning, but the majority of my teaching methods and beliefs are of the constructivist model.
Constructivism is a learning or meaning-making theory that offers an explanation of how human
beings learn. It maintains that individuals create or construct their own new understandings or
knowledge through the interaction with what they already know and believe. The ideas, events, and
activities with which they have already come in contact are to be used as building blocks. Knowledge
is acquired through involvement with content instead of imitation or repetition. Learning activities in
constructivist settings are characterized by active engagement, inquiry, problem solving, and
collaboration. Rather than a dispenser of knowledge, the teacher is a facilitator, and co-explorer
who encourages learners to question, challenge, and formulate their own ideas, opinions, and
conclusions. The importance of making meaningful connections and reflecting thoughtfully are
continually emphasized in the classroom.
As a teacher, I believe it is critical to understand that the basic materials of education are students.
The teacher is first and foremost a child development specialist and must be able to integrate what
they learn about curriculum, assessment, and management with what they know about how children
think and learn. The curriculum should never be final, but open, flexible and innovative. Learning
should be a cooperative venture making it exciting for teacher and student. Key attributes to being
an effective teacher include openness, honesty, and respect for students. These characteristics in a
teacher will promote learners who are trusting and respectful.
My goal as a teacher is to develop happy, lifelong learners who possess the skills, flexibility, and
confidence to meet the demands of the future. My job is to improve student's intellectual, social,
emotional, and physical well-being through an integrated approach to teaching that addresses the
learning needs of each individual.
