|
Amelia M Brown Exhibit Home Learn More Standards Inspiration About the Author |
About the Author
My name is Amelia Brown and I will officially begin my 19th year of teaching in 2024-25. What a journey it's been! Originally from the East Bay, California, my passion for education sparked early on, inspired by my preschool teacher, Mrs. Seeley. She nurtured us, educated us, and even invited us over for lunch—everyone felt like her favorite, including me!
My goal has always been for every student to feel cared for and valued, believing each one is my favorite and aiming for success in school. This drive has guided my teaching philosophy from day one.
My own school days weren't always smooth sailing. I struggled without always knowing why. High school changed everything—I learned to believe in myself more, inspired by teachers who showed me the path to success.
I started teaching in challenging roles—English Language Development and self-contained Newcomer classes in the city of Napa in middle school. What I loved most was helping students experience success while they navigated not just learning about how to navigate in a new country and school system but learning high level content while also learning English. I was also in a unique position as a new teacher to not only teach my students but also support and guide my colleagues in the best practices that would work with my students who knew little to no English in their classrooms.
Clear assignments, high expectations, translation and interpretation support, scaffolding, and encouragement became my tools to empower every student.
After 8 years in the classroom, I transitioned to become a District Academic Specialist. My focus: advocating for newcomers, Multilingual Language Learners, and Long-term English Learners and partnering with teachers and administrators to support these students effectively.
It was during this time that I encountered Michael McDowell’s insights on teacher-student clarity and John Hattie’s research on effect sizes—especially Teacher/Student Clarity, with an impressive effect size of .85, equal to two years of growth in one year’s time! I was captivated.
Equipped with these powerful strategies, I returned to teaching, putting theory into practice back in the classroom.
Join me on this journey of learning and growth—I can’t wait to share it with you!
My goal has always been for every student to feel cared for and valued, believing each one is my favorite and aiming for success in school. This drive has guided my teaching philosophy from day one.
My own school days weren't always smooth sailing. I struggled without always knowing why. High school changed everything—I learned to believe in myself more, inspired by teachers who showed me the path to success.
I started teaching in challenging roles—English Language Development and self-contained Newcomer classes in the city of Napa in middle school. What I loved most was helping students experience success while they navigated not just learning about how to navigate in a new country and school system but learning high level content while also learning English. I was also in a unique position as a new teacher to not only teach my students but also support and guide my colleagues in the best practices that would work with my students who knew little to no English in their classrooms.
Clear assignments, high expectations, translation and interpretation support, scaffolding, and encouragement became my tools to empower every student.
After 8 years in the classroom, I transitioned to become a District Academic Specialist. My focus: advocating for newcomers, Multilingual Language Learners, and Long-term English Learners and partnering with teachers and administrators to support these students effectively.
It was during this time that I encountered Michael McDowell’s insights on teacher-student clarity and John Hattie’s research on effect sizes—especially Teacher/Student Clarity, with an impressive effect size of .85, equal to two years of growth in one year’s time! I was captivated.
Equipped with these powerful strategies, I returned to teaching, putting theory into practice back in the classroom.
Join me on this journey of learning and growth—I can’t wait to share it with you!