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.  36 students  26 have 3.0+ GPA (72%)  Early Childhood Education majors = 23 (64%)  Special Ed – Early Childhood Education majors = 9 (25%)  Special Ed (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) majors = 4 (11%)  How do these contextual factors impact my teaching? Contextual Factors LITR 3130 B, Spring 2012

5.  32 students  23 have 3.0+ GPA (74%)  Early Childhood Education majors = 22 (69%)  Special Ed – Early Childhood Education majors = 9 (28%)  Special Ed (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) majors = 1 (3%)  How do these contextual factors impact my teaching? Contextual Factors LITR 3130 C, Spring 2012