Prior to the field of Education my previous employment includes working at Washington County Hospital 1984-1991 as a Registered Nurse. I am currently employed with Washington County Schools, since Jan 1991. I have had the privilege of accompanying HOSA Members to the HOSA National Leadership Conference 22 times. Greatest professional fulfillment comes three-fold: First, when I see students take what they learn in the Health Science Education classroom and implement that knowledge and skill in a HOSA competitive event where they compete against members from the district, state and national levels; Second, when students gain a certification they can use towards employment in the healthcare field; Third, when a former student graduates from a college/university and embarks upon a career in healthcare. Married for 30 years to Kerry West and have 2 sons, Brant and Josh.
Transcript of the Interview (PDF)
Jump to question:
- Imagine someone visited your class several times, what would they say the principal teaching strategies you use are? Could you talk about teaching strategies you use that are universal, and as well as strategies are somewhat unique to you and your personality?
- How do you organize your class to maximize learning opportunities for your students? How do you help them become better learners?
- How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with special needs (EC, ESL, AIG, etc.)?
- How do you know when learning is occurring and what do you do when you question whether learning is taking place in the classroom?
- How do you “hook” a reluctant learner to your content?
- If you were to give advice to a new teacher in North Carolina, what 2-3 learnings would you share?
Optional Material
The lesson, “Trust Walk” that Mrs. West presented may be viewed below.