August 31, 2007
CLASS OF THE WEEK: Clayton A. Record Elementary School
San Jacinto Unified School District
Fourth grade
Teacher's name: Lisa Lux .
Number of years at school: Three years teaching - two years at Record Elementary.
Teacher's educational background: Bachelor of arts in geography from Cal State Fullerton, and teaching credential from California State San Marcos.
Class size: Twenty-seven.
Room No.: 910.
Please describe the topics the class is studying: “In social studies, we are studying the history of California. Specifically, our latest unit covers the native California Indians as well as the Spanish missions.
“In math, we have just finished our unit on such things as place value through the millions, algebraic expressions using addition and subtraction, and negative numbers.
“In language arts, we continually use various reading strategies to help strengthen comprehension.”
Describe some of the unique projects your class is working on or will be working on: “In the next couple of weeks to come, the students will be creating a mission project, consisting of a model of their assigned mission along with an essay describing important facts.
“In the future, once we have begun our science units, the students will take part in various experiments, such as creating their own salad dressing!”
Will your class participate in field trips?: “We do plan to participate in field trips.
“The fourth-grade team is planning a trip to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. This is a fun trip where the students can see various California regions at once.
“Every year, all the fourth grades in the area visit the ‘Ramona' pageant in Hemet to view a play about early California.
“I hope to give my class a third trip if we are able to fundraise enough money.”
What are your goals for the class?: “My goals are simple, although I wish they were that simple to achieve!
“I want my students to try their best and to succeed to the highest of their abilities. Also, my goal is to prepare them for real life. I want them to make smart choices and to realize their full potential.”
Why did you choose teaching as a profession?: “I became a teacher because of the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment I get from helping shape a young child's life.
“I want to be a positive influence and role model for my students. I remember the great feeling I had when someone believed in me, and I want my students to have that same feeling by me believing in them.”
What are your greatest rewards that you feel from your chosen profession: “I love seeing students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations. Another reward is having your previous students return to thank you for something you had taught them.”
What are some of the daily challenges you face in the classroom?: “Honestly, there are many challenges I face in the classroom. One of them, unfortunately, is the lack of self-confidence some students have. Some students do not believe in themselves, which inhibits their learning.
“Another struggle is meeting the needs of all my students. In one class, I can have high-achieving GATE students, English language learners, and low-motivated students. It is a challenge for me to keep them all focused and engaged.”
Does your class have a theme or mission statement?: “My mission statement is that of the San Jacinto (Unified) School District's:
‘I will educate and inspire my students to achieve academic success, personal growth, and social responsibility.'
“Our class has agreed upon a respectful environment in which all students honor each others learning experiences.”