1. Introduction: Dr. Tonja Root University of Georgia Ed. D. (Educational Doctorate), Elementary & Early Childhood Education; Reading Education M. Ed., Early Childhood Education B.S. Ed., Early Childhood Education

2.  Passion for teaching: Fun AND serious  Love of children: To assist you to be able to address their needs  Respect for children: To assist you to become the best, most effective teachers – who children deserve.  Experience with teaching elementary students: full-time=6 years: 1 st, 2 nd, 4 th grades; invited teacher=most years at VSU=26 years  Experience with teaching undergraduates and graduates: 30 years Why am I here?

3.  Passion for teaching?  Love of children?  Respect for children and adults?  Experience with teaching/working with children?  Knowledge through coursework & life?  Intrapersonal & interpersonal intelligences?  Professional work ethic?  Prompt to class? Attend class?  Do not procrastinate?  Ask questions?  Prepare for class?  Read & think about text & syllabus?  Problem-solve? Why are you here? (Characteristics of Success)

4.  23 students  13 have 3.0+ GPA (57%)  Early Childhood Education majors = 9 (39%)  Special Ed – ECE majors = 14 (61%)  Special Ed (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) majors = 0 (__%)  How do these contextual factors impact my teaching? Contextual Factors LITR 3130 A, Fall 2012

5.  16 students  8 have 3.0+ GPA (50%)  Early Childhood Education majors = 16 (100%)  Special Ed – ECE majors = 0 (__%)  Special Ed (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) majors = 0 (__%)  How do these contextual factors impact my teaching? Contextual Factors LITR 3130 B, Fall 2012