Digital Dossier – Dr. Spencer
Dr. Spencer Teaches Earth Science
Welcome to my digital dossier for the Spring Semester of 2021. Here you can find my collection of artifacts and documents that reflect the process.
I’m delighted to showcase my journey with you in pursuing my Master’s degree. My name is Valena Spencer. I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, grew up in Palmetto, GA (South Fulton County), and was born in Detroit, MI. I have earned an Associate’s in Aerospace Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and a Doctorate in Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine. I have added Education to my repertoire of natural health and wellness to become a 6th grade Science teacher. The subjects that I teach are Earth Science and a Math Study Skills class. It is my first year as a teacher at Memorial Middle School in Rockdale County Public Schools. Join me on my journey as I work to complete a Master’s of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades Science and Mathematics Education at Georgia State University!
Valena Spencer, Ph.D. is a lifelong advocate of showing how natural sciences and healthy practices positively impact daily lives and improves coping mechanisms with meditation and mindfulness. Dr. Spencer believes that the daily encouragement of students will help them maintain a positive outlook and build confidence in knowing who they are, their unique perspectives, and developing abilities. “I hope to make a positive impact by bringing real-world experience in business and science through research into the classroom in Rockdale County at Memorial Middle School in conjunction with the Master’s program.
I am progressing through the curriculum at Georgia State University, in my 3rd of 4 Semesters. I have successfully passed all classes Fall semester. I am enrolled in all 6 classes including Practicum 2 and 3. As I have passed the Middle Grades Science GACE at the professional level, I plan to take Middle Grades Mathematics GACE in Nov. 2021. According to my Georgia State Advisor, everything is on track for graduation at the end of Summer 2021.
How to Improve Student Engagement through Relationship Building
To improve student engagement in virtual learning by building relationships has lead Dr, Spencer to strategies like studying non-verbal communication to understand students and “Talk Moves” to communicate in scientific conversations. She has learned to create an action plan that creates a classroom culture with the best social aspects and reinforcers to improve student outcomes. Data collection, observation, and visual methods informed the study. The best results directly depend on consistency, actions, and interactions with the teacher.
