Hello! I’m Amy Aldridge
Welcome to My Education Portfolio
My Teacher Identity
I am passionate about helping every student enjoy school. I graduated from a Bachelor of Education majoring in Special Needs at Griffith University in 2021. Since then I have taught in both Mainstream and Special Needs Schools. Both have instilled a passion to teach and help every student thrive at their ability level rather than just their grade level.
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My passion for pursuing a career in education started when I was in grade 7 when this grade was still considered primary years. Prior to this I came to school unhappy. I did not enjoy school and thought it was a waste of time. I found it hard to engage with the lessons and this was reflected in my borderline passes. Grade 7 was my turning point. I was blessed with a wonderful teacher. She quickly locked onto me and made sure that I understood the lesson that day. If I had not understood, she worked with me or partnered me up and provided another way of explaining the content so that I could understand. She was a young teacher but she made me feel so empowered. This spark has led me on the path towards being just like her; reigniting the spark for learning in others.
Teaching Philosophy
Rita Pierson became a key role model for me during my studies. Rita has been a professional educator since 1972, teaching elementary school, junior high and special education. Her Ted Talk on 'Every kid needs a champion' directly relates to my teaching philosophy.
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I believe every student has the right to learn at their needs and I have since been developing strategies for differentiating the content, process and product for the diverse needs of my students.
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I am passionate about immersing myself in new experiences and since beginning teaching I have been on two mainstream school placements and two special needs placements. While on my placement in a special school I began learning AUSLAN to communicate better with Deaf and hearing impaired students. I have worked in a private school as a beginning teacher cadet assisting with small groups and building foundational understanding. The next area I am keen to strengthen is strategies to assist Indigenous students and in my Professional Learning Plan I have outlined actions to take to develop this area. I frequently engage with webinars and conferences held by my University.
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I successfully form positive relationships with students and implement effective behaviour management strategies to create a safe and engaging learning environment. I am an effective communicator and pride myself on finding new ways to explain content to assist all students when accessing the curriculum. I am passionate about teaching, but I am equally passionate about learning; and this is what makes me a valuable teacher.
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Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be
Rita Pierson
