I am so excited to be working at Veterans Elementary and to be teaching 3rd grade! We have a wonderful team of teachers on our 3rd grade team and I know it's going to be a lot of fun as we go through this year together.

 

As 3rd graders, we work hard, we learn a lot, and we have a lot of fun doing it. In our classroom, just as in our school, it is important that we treat each others with respect and that we grow socially and emotionally even as we grow academically. Remember to have your child ready to engage in their own learning each day. 

 

This will be my 7th year teaching, but I have also worked in special education and general education, as an aide and a teacher, and in classes all the way from Preschool to 12th grade. This will be my 6th year teaching 3rd grade at Veterans Elementary and I am so glad to be here!

 

A little more about my background is that I received my Teaching Credential from Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, which greatly influenced my philosophy on teaching. I believe in the importance of learning by doing, of working together and learning from each other, and the importance of growth. Learning is like a muscle: we learn by giving our brain challenges, not just by following a procedure or list. 

Lastly, we are a team. It is important to remember that we are ALL on this team, working together to guide our students as they grow. Please spend time with your child reading, playing math games, involving them in real life questions involving math, and helping them grow their curiosity. Encourage effort, praise mistakes, value their growth, and push them to think deeply. Thank you for all that you do with these kids outside the classroom. 

 

Mr. James Walker

661-387-7050