Why I am passionate about Teaching
My favorite thing about being a teacher is the excitement of exploration--it’s always new and fresh when I’m introducing a new topic or era or concept to a group of students. Of course, I am knowledgeable about erosion, business planning, D-Day, or division, but the first time a student “meets” the topic, I can learn something else. Whether it’s a different perspective, or a new way of presenting the concept or discovering a facet I go back to research some more, it’s what keeps me coming back to teaching. Adding project based and inquiry learning to this only enhances the excitement.
I have a background in business, and when the 2008 economic downturn happened and public school budgets in my geographic area were cut, I went back to retail, but I was always looking for opportunities to get back to teaching when I could. My experience in retail gives me a different skill set and background in customer service that has served me and my schools well when I need to interact with parents, enabling me to see their point of view and get parents to see us both as on the same team--the one that wants the best for their child. This perspective, combined with my desire to give students the tools to explore and expand their education positions me to be a strong part of any international school.
I have a background in business, and when the 2008 economic downturn happened and public school budgets in my geographic area were cut, I went back to retail, but I was always looking for opportunities to get back to teaching when I could. My experience in retail gives me a different skill set and background in customer service that has served me and my schools well when I need to interact with parents, enabling me to see their point of view and get parents to see us both as on the same team--the one that wants the best for their child. This perspective, combined with my desire to give students the tools to explore and expand their education positions me to be a strong part of any international school.
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What do my supervisors say?
"Our team here knows they can always depend on him to help with school improvement, school culture and extra duties: in the past two years, he has volunteered to help organize theatrical performances, school assemblies and speech competitions as well as volunteering for duties and helping colleagues who have unexpected emergencies." -Pao-Chen Wu, Vice Principal, Dah Yung International Bilingual School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. "I have observed Mr. Rector's teaching and have found him to be a very caring and involved teacher. He has high expectations for his students. The class was very diverse and age of the students required a variety of teaching and classroom assignments and projects. The classroom was active and stimulating, addressing the individual needs of the students from many backgrounds and ability levels." -Don Hilden, Assistant Principal, Dominican International School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. "Mr. Rector is an industrious and determined educator who, when given a difficult teaching assignment, takes a positive approach....In addition, Mr. Rector takes an active role in and out of the classroom. I do not believe there was a sporting or extracurricular event that Cliff did not attend." -Nancy Velez, Principal, Leesburg High School, Florida |
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What do my students say?"I love how [Mr. Rector] presents the topics in Economics. His instruction style really gets me interested in a topic I never thought was interesting before." -Craig, High School Senior
"This is so cool!" -Jenna, High School Senior, in reference to an alternative assessment. |
What do my colleagues say?"Mr. Rector uses his time management skills well and adjusts the learning environment and material to fit student needs. He introduces the objective, models strategies, gives examples and assists students, while individualizing instruction as needed. Mr. Rector also maintains a consistent and structured environment from class to class and reinforces school culture and expectations. He exhibits good classroom management skills, using positive reinforcement and available resources." -Eric Silenzi, Manatee Public Schools.
Service
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Sample Lesson Plan
Lifelong Learner
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