Personal Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is a passion that I have had

since I was a young child. I believe that
every student has a better opportunity of
learning and gaining an understanding if
they are actively engaged with the
material. I hope to instill the same
passion that I have always had for
learning in my students by giving them
opportunities to explore, be creative,
and to have meaningful discussions.
My teaching philosophy focuses on
Use the link below to check out my
developing students into bright,
online portfolio. Here you will learn
independent, and respectful thinkers. I
more about my personal teaching
will model and guide my students
through the learning process, while
philosophies and see examples of
giving them many opportunities to apply personal development.
what they are learning through Courtney Whetzel
interactive, hands-on, collaborative, and
individualized activities. I want to give
my students a purpose for learning and Bridgewater College, B.S.
make each lesson meaningful in some Liberal Studies Major
way. It is my goal to know my students Family and Consumer Sciences
as more than just learners, but to also Minor
understand their Teaching Certification PreK-6
strengths,
weaknesses, and
likes that go beyond
my classroom walls. Cell: (540) 649-2725
Email: cnw002@eagles.bridgewater.edu
Address: 28 Crimora Station Lane
Crimora, VA 24431
 Teaching Experiences
Augusta County Public Schools
 Clymore Elementary, Instructional Aide(2017
-Present) Long Term Substitute in 1st and
4th grade 2018
Waynesboro Public Schools
 Wenonah Elementary , 3rd grade (July 2016-
January 2017) K-2 Extension teacher
(January 2017– May 2017)
Student Teaching:
 Clymore Elementary, Augusta County
Kindergarten Spring 2016– 15 weeks
Practicum:
 South River Elementary, Rockingham County
3rd Interterm, 2016-90+ hours
Field Experiences:
 Kiester Elementary, Harrisonburg City 4th &
5th grade reading specialist; Spring 2014-
10 hours
 Mountain View Elementary, Rockingham
County, 1st; Fall 2014-Book
Buddies
 Playschool Preschool Program– Child De-
velopment Lab at Bridgewater
College- Fall 2014
 John Wayland Elementary, Rockingham
County, 4th grade
 Language Arts ; Fall 2015-20 hours
 Clymore Elementary, Augusta County,
Kindergarten; Fall 2015-20hours
A Glimpse into My Classroom
Other Experiences
 Mentor with Public Partnerships
◊Working with children with special
◊ Individualized Instruction needs
My lessons will provide opportunities for  STEM Math and Science Night Instructor
leveled instruction, as I meet each student’s
◊Elkton Elementary
individual learning needs. My hope is to
have all of my students succeed in my ◊River Bend Elementary
classroom.
◊Collaboration
Students will work in groups as well as
one on one with me as a way to ensure that
the information that is being taught is being
understood. This will also give students the
opportunity to hear information from
 Octoberfest Volunteer
another perspective than their own.
◊Bridgewater College
◊Reading
 Preschool/ Nursery Leader
My students will be encouraged to read
as often as possible. Students can be found ◊Breakthrough Life Center
reading on their own, to a partner, or  Vacation Bible School Group Leader
listening to me read.
◊Community Fellowship Church of
◊Technology the Nazarene
Many lessons will incorporate technology  Mentorship Program
as a tool to enhance student learning and ◊Hugh K. Cassell Elementary, 2nd
exploration. Some forms of technology that grade
many be found include: SMART boards,
iPads, laptops.  Camp Counselor
◊Girl Scout Camp– Grottoes VA