Welcome-
My name is Jennifer Topping and I’m what is referred to as a career changer. I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in 2000 and immediately entered the work force as a clay modeler for the automotive industry. Since then I have had several jobs and have even run my own business, but at the end of the day none of these positions left me feeling fulfilled. Each job was merely that- a job- something I had to get through everyday to survive.
It wasn’t until the birth of my daughter that I seriously examined the career path I was on, and began to consider pursuing a career in the education field. Seeing the impact I could have on young lives made me realize that I wanted more out of life than living paycheck to paycheck. Finally, I decided to return to school and earn my teaching certification. However, first I had to figure out what I was really passionate about teaching. If I was going to make such a commitment, I wanted to teach an area I which I felt I could contribute the most. Therefore, I returned to college, not only to acquire a teaching certification, but to become dually certified in the fields of art and English and allow myself the option to teach either subject.
Three years later, I have found reserves of strength and determination that I was previously unaware that I possessed. Raising a child as a single parent, attending college full-time and running a small business during much of that time period taught me the virtues of organization, time-management, and perseverance; all traits I hope to effectively model and pass on to my future students. Thanks to the support of my family and certain professors I was priviledged enough to come to know, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science in English in May 2007 and am currently working towards obtaining my Master’s in Adolescent Education at SUNY Oswego.
My Teaching Philosophy-
I believe that every student has the capacity to learn, but they are first and foremost unique individuals. The various interests and experiences they enter the classroom with are all avenues to utilize in producing individuals who thirst for knowledge. Guiding students to discover that each of them has the potential to be their own teacher and to continue learning long after they have graduated is a goal I feel every teacher should have.
Furthermore, I believe that every classroom should be a sanctuary, a place of safety where students have the freedom to explore, question and even fail without fear of ridicule or persecution. Differences should cherished and creativity should be allowed to flourish. As an educator, I believe that above all else it is my duty to provide students with the means, the security, and the skills to become life long learners.
The Purpose
The purpose of this portfolio is to provide a platform that showcases a select collection of my previous work and allows me the opportunity to reflect upon and share my educational beliefs and philosophies.
