HELLO MATHEMATICIANS, I'M
Ms. Crawford!
6th Grade Math & 7th Grade On-level Math; Murchison Middle School, Austin, TX
Ms. Crawford
(she/her/hers)
Certification: Mathematics 4-8
BSA Human Development & Family Sciences
About
Hi, I grew up in Arlington, TX and I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science and Arts in Human Development & Family Sciences and a UTeach Math Teaching certificate at the University of Texas at Austin. I am Apprentice Teaching 8th grade Algebra I at Murchison Middle School in Austin, TX this Spring. My career objective is to teach mathematics to secondary school students in Central Texas. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, spending time with my loved ones, and scuba diving!
Teaching Philosophy
I have always wanted to work with kids in some capacity and I came to the realization that being a teacher would allow me to do this every day. I am excited to form strong bonds with my students while teaching them life lessons that are very important. Additionally, I would like for them to feel like they can talk to me about the hard things in life too as I have important experiences I have learned from, and I want to be sure that they are all safe and healthy. I want to create a diverse and accepting environment for my students where they can feel free to explore their learning without worrying about their grades. Most importantly, I want them to learn from me and be able to apply the material and not just memorize it.
A successful teacher is one that puts their biggest emphasis on constructivism, personal autonomy for learning, and exploring new ideas both individually and in groups. Students learn best by using explorative learning techniques like productive failure. Productive failure allows students to form their own ideas about the material first and then these ideas are solidified by the teacher at the end of the unit. Using Constructivism is another way that allows students to learn best. This theory allows for students to use their previous knowledge and build the new material off it while making connections and building off of other students too. The best method of assessing what students know is to use formative assessment throughout lessons. Formative assessment questions allow for the teacher to see where each students stands individually on the knowledge of the new material and then the teachers can take this information to change their lesson to adapt to the students. Additionally, these assessments allow for the teacher to dig deeper into the material with the students and they help the students think more critically about it.
Another way teachers can assess what students know is to have the students show their work on every problem and not just accept the answer. This would show a student’s thinking process about a subject and would let the teacher see what the students are still struggling on. Overall, I strive to treat students with dignity, expecting them to try their best while I take on the duty of teaching the future generations!
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
2019--Present
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX; Class of 2023
Bachelor of Science and Arts; Human Development & Family Sciences
UTeach Mathematics Grades 4th-8th Certificate
GPA: 3.78
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
September 2021–January 2023
Boys & Girls Clubs, NYOS Charter School, Austin, TX, Youth Development Professional & STEM Educator
January 2021–December 2022
Austin ISD - Brentwood Elementary, O' Henry MS, Crockett HS, Cedars International Next Generation HS
2015--2019
Lamar High School, Arlington, TX; Class of 2019
GPA: 4.0
August 2018–August 2019
Potbelly Sandwich Works, Arlington, TX, Food Service Associate
June 2015--August 2017
Camp Thurman, Pantego, TX, Summer Camp Counselor
Skills
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
Strong leadership qualities
Productive team member
Effective communicator
Positive and enthusiastic attitude
Can create meaningful, creative, and collaborative lesson plans for students
Technology: Microsoft, Google Drive
Awards
WHERE I SHINE
2022 Texas Kappa Delta Sorority President
Interests
OUT OF OFFICE
Reading
Hanging with friends
Travel
Coffee
Trying new foods
Scuba diving