At Catharine Blaine Elementary, Diana Joldersma and Erik Anderson are considered "the dynamic duo." Both first-grade teachers, Joldersma and Anderson collaborate in their teaching efforts, resulting in similar instruction in their respective classrooms as well as a solid system of mutual support.
This cooperation works well for these teachers; they are able to give feedback to each other about what works and what doesn't, and also act as sounding boards for new thoughts and ideas.
Joldersma describes this teamwork as a "gift," and both agree that working together allows them to balance each other out. Their team effort essentially helps them be better teachers and contributes to a great learning experience for their students.
One thing Joldersma and Anderson focus on and encourage in their classrooms is independence. They want their students to take ownership of their work and learning experience - a philosophy the teachers have implemented since the school year began in September.
They are now seeing the results of their efforts as the kids work on their class projects individually as well as in small groups, without extensive supervision.
Anderson explained that there are certain students who are designated "computer experts" for the class; these specialists assist other students having computer problems. Helping each other teaches students the value of problem solving and working together.
Differentiating the students' learning levels is also an important aspect of Joldersma and Anderson's teaching philosophy. Although they have kids of various levels in their classes, they adjust their curriculum accordingly so that each child is challenged at their level.
For example, literacy is emphasized in the curriculum. They ensure that each child reads books appropriate to his or her level of reading; at the same time, the teachers challenge the students to achieve the next level. This is facilitated through an extensive book collection in the classroom, as well as frequent trips to the Magnolia Library.
Their typical classroom setting involves short periods of instruction time, with longer periods of time devoted to small group and independent learning. Students are encouraged to interact with one another during small-group time and avidly do so, incorporating much of what they have learned through individual exploration.
The days are typically structured with a general routine to which children seem to respond. The classes recently completed a science bloc, learning about balls and ramps. Gathering and interpreting data was a large aspect of this segment, and Joldersma and Anderson say the students love it. In addition, the students recently published little books that they themselves wrote.
Both Joldersma and Anderson are new to teaching, though each held other jobs prior to joining the Blaine staff; this is the second year of teaching at Blaine for both teachers.
Joldersma spent two years working for a nonprofit organization called Community Day School Association. In years prior she also served as director for a before-and-after-school program at Sanislo Elementary in West Seattle. During graduate school, where she earned a master's in teaching, she tutored students at all grade levels and was involved in many other educational projects.
Last year, Joldersma worked with special education students at Blaine, and comments that working with the first-graders is vastly different.
Previously, she was only able to work with her students for short periods of time during the day, as they would need to return to their classes. Joldersma now says she is very happy to spend the day working with her students, and though it's challenging at times, she adds that "to see the fruits of my work and the kids' work is hugely satisfying."
Anderson worked in the bicycle/outdoor industry before he began his teaching career. He received his undergraduate degree from Western Washington University in environmental education, and his master's in education in 2005 from Antioch University.
Joldersma and Anderson both spoke enthusiastically of their work and their students, and they agree that nothing is as satisfying as their career now. They exclaim: "We love our jobs."
No doubt their students think they're pretty great, too.
[[In-content Ad]]
