Joshua W. Kestner

Mission Statement Effective schools require a sense of purpose and direction provided by well developed and clearly articulated vision. This vision, based on beliefs that are publicly articulated, leads, in turn, to clear and specific school goals that guide day-to-day activities.

I. Climate: Provides a place where students feel comfortable, safe and accepted Promotes open communication between parents, teachers, students which encourages a sense of teamwork and cooperation Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of students and staff in learning and leadership Develops the concept of community through academic and extracurricular activities with a focus on character development

II. Staff: Focuses on increased student achievement with instruction methods that reflect current research and proven effective classroom practices Supports the school's mission, vision, values and goals in attitude and action Models the importance of lifelong learning through their commitment to ongoing professional development Works to create conditions that promote student success Encourages colleagues and students in an atmosphere of support and respect Models professionalism through personal integrity, commitment, and ethical behavior Collaborates to improve student learning (instructional strategies, methods, and assessments)

III. Academic Excellence: The curriculum promotes intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, and challenges students to reach their full potential High levels of achievement are accomplished through measurable academic standards aligned with the major instructional goals Focus is placed on character development which incorporates respect, social skills, and moral integrity into academic concepts The concept of teamwork through academic and extracurricular activities is developed

IV. Students: Accept responsibility for their learning and their actions Set challenging goals and give their best effort to achieve high academic standards Behave toward other students and teachers in a manner consistent with good character (considerate, responsible, and committed) Encourage each other in an atmosphere of support Become involved in school and community service

V. Parents and Community Support: Play an active role in the academic education and character development of the students Form partnerships with teachers to demonstrate the importance of education Monitor their student's academic progress Are involved with the school by volunteering their time and/or service Are supportive of the school's vision, goals, and mission

Philosophy of Education I feel that everyone has the right to receive an education. I believe that every child has a self worth and as educators we should strive to help them achieve it. I feel that every child posses the ability to succeed. I want students to leave my school knowing that someone cares about their education and wants to see them succeed in life. I want to instill a desire of learning in every child. My ultimate goal is to make a difference in the lives of children. There is a saying I picked up from a teacher I had in high school that has stuck with me for years. “Can’t never could, Try always would.” If we tell a child they cannot achieve their dreams, they never will. So as educators it is our responsibility to inspire them to greatness.

Teaching Experience 7 th Grade English & Civics TeacherAugust 2006 – Present Bland Elementary SchoolBland, VA Prepared and taught daily lesson plans Prepared and developed unit plans Taught 7 th Grade English Taught Civics & Economics Worked in an Inclusions setting. Worked with the School Improvement Committee Incorporated the Virginia Standards of Learning Integrated technology into lesson plans: SMART Boards Infocus Projectors Power Point Presentations

Instructional Aide, Tech Quest Program August 2005 – June 2006 Smyth Career & Technology Center Marion, VA Prepared and taught daily lesson plans. Prepared and developed unit plans Taught 9 th thru 12 th Grade English Taught 8 th Grade Math Taught 9 th & 10 th Grade PE Worked in an Inclusions setting. Incorporated the Virginia Standards of Learning Integrated technology into lesson plans: SMART Boards Infocus Projectors Power Point Presentations

Instructional Aide, Grades 2 nd, 3 rd, & 5 th August August 2005 Chilhowie Elementary School Chilhowie, VA Prepared and taught daily lesson plans. Prepared and developed unit plans. Taught History and Reading in 3 rd Grade. Worked in an Inclusions setting. Worked with students to pass the VGLA Incorporated the Virginia Standards of Learning Integrated technology into lesson plans: SMART Boards Infocus Projectors Power Point Presentations

ISLLC Standards Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 Standard 4 Standard 5