Philosophy |
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By creating a safe, nurturing, trusting environment, students will be willing to take risks and become part of the learning process. Students need to know what is expected of them academically and behaviorally. Teachers need to build a rapport with their students. Find out what they like and dislike, and make learning fun. “When teaching light a fire, don’t fill a bucket”. Educators are faced with the task of facilitating the learning process to students of varying learning styles and intelligiences. In order to accomplish this task, we need to provide opportunities for differentiated assessment, investigate what they know, how they learn, their strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, what motivates them to learn. Collecting data via pretesting, post testing, and daily assessing students, evaluates the student’s knowledge upon entering and exiting the class. The pretest enables the teacher to begin within the student’s comfort zone ensuring student success from the onset. I believe that success is a catalyst that propels the student towards further learning and growth. Teachers need to adapt each lesson to meet the needs of the tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, and visual learners. Remember “all children can learn,” they just learn differently. Maintaining professional development to keep up with the trends of education and sharing ideas with other educator’s inspires me to reflect upon my teaching techniques, set personal goals and maintain the desire to be the best educator I can be. The world of a teacher is filled with countless memories, endless experiences, and challenges. Through constant self-reflection, and genuine caring for students, faculty, and the community, a teacher plays an essential role in a student’s life. |
Education Law & References
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Irene Long has been working with learning disabled clients since 1983. Before relocating to Florida, Mrs. Long was employed by Farmingdale Schools as the District Wide Wilson Reading Specialist. This experience provided her with the opportunity to teach the students and faculty the Wilson methodologies. The success of the program and the need for student remediation lead her into private practice. (see results)
Irene has opened a learning center in Jupiter, Florida where she will be providing educational assessment, teacher training and consultation services. Although Mrs. Long specializes in reading instruction her experiences have provided her with an array of “tools” that have proven to be highly effective methods of remediation in all subject areas.
Parent Comments
Mrs. Corey: “Peter no longer asks me to read to him – He wants to read to me! Again, thank you for all you did to teach my son about the printed form of our language.” Farmingdale, NY
Mrs. C.: “Matt enjoys reading!!” Farmingdale, NY
Mrs. Quijano: “The Wilson Language approach really works” Farmingdale, NY
Teacher Comments
Teacher
“Irene Long has been extraordinarily effective with the progress that my students attained. Irene is a conscientious, caring and highly-skilled instructor. Irene’s in-depth knowledge, unique instructional techniques and talents are an asset to any school.”
Mrs. Agostinacchio, Fifth Grade Special Education Farmingdale, NY
Teachers
“Working in a small group setting was extremely beneficial and enjoyable. Before we began the training Mrs. Long shared her videotapes with us: thus providing a good overview of the components of the typical Wilson lesson.” “Learning a new program with my colleagues provided me with a good support system as we turned to each other for help when needed.”
Gail Goodman, Reading Specialist Farmingdale, NY
“In each of these reading groups, the amount of independent reading time has increased, spelling and comprehension ability has improved as well as self- concept. Many of these students are beginning to think of themselves as ‘real readers’.“
Kathy Early, Special Education Teacher Farmingdale, NY
Teacher Collegial Circle.
“I was provided with many creative, hands-on ideas to enhance, enrich and engage each student in the program. Irene shared every game she has in her storage closet. She provided us with templates to make our own games for our students.”
“Irene was an excellent instructor.”
“She answered every question and did so much extra work outside of the circle hours. I felt comfortable sharing problems and asking my questions in the group.”
“I was also introduced to the assessment used for the Wilson program. I learned how to administer the test and how to analyze the test results. Basically from this collegial circle I have learned all aspects of the Wilson Reading Program from assessments, to lessons, to resources. This collegial circle has been extremely helpful and beneficial during the school year.”
Suzanne Wilinski, Reading Specialist Farmingdale, NY
“When I watch your lessons I am fascinated.”
Wendy Berning, Learning Consultant, Teacher Indiantown, Florida