Rachel Gillerlain Weiser

Who I am as a TeacherAlthough I have no experience

teaching college writing, you will find that I am prepared, and more importantly, willing to do what it takes to help you succeed.

B.A. in English and Secondary Education, William and Mary

M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition, Old Dominion University

7th and 8th grade English teacher for four years

What You can Expect from MeHard work and dedication—See me during

office hours. I will do whatever I can to help you.

Clarity and fairness—Read your syllabus and read it often for information on grading and attendance policies and our class assignments.

Flexibility and understanding—If you have a personal emergency let me know immediately.

What I Value“Everything we do not have...which we need when we are grown is given us by education” —Jean Jacques Rousseau, “On Philosophy of Education”

*WRONG!

~I value the lessons that you have to offer to our class.

“Education of the individual, in addition to promoting [the student’s] own innate abilities, would attempt to develop in him a sense of responsibility for his fellow-men in place of the glorification of power and success" —Albert Einstein, "Philosophy of Education”

~I hope to add to your critical thinking abilities—intellectual currency that you can truly use in the real world.

I believe that…Your value and love of writing is far more

important than your academic success.

We are all becoming better each day.

In order to accomplish your goals, you need to become critical and competent users of technology.

You are able to gain far more knowledge about writing through trial, error, and reflection than I can ever give you.

I teach because…I love to watch students develop into

critical readers and competent writers.

I want to share my love of language with others.

I am good at designing and delivering instruction.

I feel as though I have given something back to the world on graduation day.

The Role of TechnologyYour future will surely require you

to expertly use and/or produce technological tools—some of which have not even been imagined.

You will:-use a computer daily-give and receive online feedback-create an electronic portfolio-learn to be open to new technologies

Writing Support ResourcesIn class:Daily practiceDaily peer-review assignmentOpt-in teacher conferences

On the website:Elaborated project directions and rubricsSample papersPeer-help board

How I Self-Assess

I believe that at the end of a term you will be a better writer.  

Your individual improvement is the ultimate indicator of my performance.

Please fill out your course evaluations!

Final ThoughtsPlease respond to the following before

leaving:

1.What do you expect to gain from this course?2.How do you learn best?3.Describe a time when you created

outstanding work. Tell about the assignment and why you did so well.

4.What concerns do you have about this class?

Works CitedEinstein, Albert. “On Education.” 1949. As quoted in

"Philosophy of Education." On Truth and Reality. Eds.Geoff Haselhurst, Karene Howie. 2 Feb. 2009 <

http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosophy-Education.htm>.

Rousseau, Jean Jacques. "On Philosophy of Education." Emile. 1762. As quoted in "Philosophy ofEducation." On Truth and Reality. Eds. Geoff Haselhurst, Karene Howie. 2 Feb. 2009 <http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Philosopy-Education.htm>.

Wong, Harry and Rosemary.  "Effective Teaching."  Teachers.Net Gazette. 5.9. Sept. 2008. 2 Feb. 2009 <http://teachers.net/wong/SEP08/>.