INTRODUCTION

  If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for and love the endless immensity of the sea.  ~ Unknown

   Hello!  Welcome to our classroom community!  My name is Tanna Miles and I am one of the third grade teachers at Fremont Elementary, in Florence, Colorado.   

     I want you to feel comfortable in our school and classroom.  Here are a few things about me and my life! I went to school in Canon City from 1973-1982. Although I have lived in many places most of my life has been spent right here in Colorado.  I have two children and I have been married twenty plus years!   My family pets consist of one very sassy turkey named NOT ME, 11 chickens, one dog named Freckies, who plays Frisbee, and two turtles!  Incidentally, the turtles are about to become our class pets and we will be choosing their names together.

     I have worked in the educational field since 1994 as a para-educator, elementary school secretary, substitute teacher, and now as your child's teacher! I earned my BA in Liberal Arts at Regis University.  I enjoy reading, writing stories, riding horses, painting, photography, and learning about local history!  I am excited to meet you and your child!  

                                                                                            ~Tanna Miles

My Teaching Philosophy

     My philosophy of education expresses a fundamental belief that learning is a process and not a product. A process designed to encourage students to venture out, take responsible risk, make healthy choices, and contribute to the community.

     The roles of the student and the teacher are intertwined, and redefined as needs and goals change.  Students are expected to maintain behaviors that are responsible and respectful towards others, self, and property. They participate actively in establishing class procedures, behavior standards, and daily routines. My classroom culture is based on the guiding principals of Love and Logic and Choice Theory.  I believe this culture provides a structure that is beneficial for supporting and promoting:

• belonging

• a spirit of fun and humor

• interdependence

• a code of conduct

• empowerment through choice

     My goal is to present information, which is both meaningful and relevant to meet state and district requirements through effective instruction and quality assessments, which reflect all significant learning.  I believe new opportunities for growth in cognitive development motivate and challenge students.  They become co-creators in understanding how their developing skills are increasing their potential and personal academic abilities.  My classroom is based on an open system of instruction which, I believe fosters active learning.  the purpose is to encourage students to seek out new information, solve problems, reflect thoughtfully, work collaboratively, and question.