I am a twenty-four year veteran elementary educator. I have spent the past ten years teaching in Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong.
My professional mission statement is: “ I will provide a wholesome and upbeat environment for any and all students to succeed. I will teach students to learn to be content. I will demand that students care for the world around them as well as themselves. I will remember what it is like to be a child.”
My professional mission statement has served me well throughout my career and continues to this day. My experiences have taught me the value of passionate living. I live to grow each day as teacher, modeling exemplar habits that my students and colleagues can carry with them for life.
I have attended summer workshops with Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, directed by Lucy Calkins. I have a master’s degree in Mathematics Instruction. I have obtained a leadership certificate from the Principal’s Training Center for International Educators. I have received a vast amount of professional development in curriculum development, educational pedagogy, and educational technology. I am a professional educator who values lifelong learning. I am constantly enhancing my craft.
I believe that an effective learning environment incorporates the sixteen Habits of Mind. (Costa and Kallick,2000) I intentionally teach the habits to my students and post many in the classroom for guidance throughout each day. I believe that proper teaching incorporates meaningful differentiation that is supported by reliable and valid data. This is applied through consistent, intentional assessment and analysis.
I understand that humans acquire information best when they feel safe. I work doggedly to create an environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes. I expect students to learn from each mistake, and I plan accordingly. My students are taught to be welcoming, engaging and supportive of each other. I have high expectations from each student and have the highest expectations of myself.
I strongly believe that the 21st Century Educator must be versed in the incredible advancements in the study of neurology.
I believe that one needs to be ever hopeful and optimistic for the future, without exception. To paraphrase my hero, Viktor Frankl, I believe that effective teachers’ meaning in life is to help students and colleagues find meaning in their own life.
My job continues to fascinate me. I live to serve.
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Barry Mernin is a great teacher! A pretty good friend as well.
best teacher ever
Dear Mr.Mernin,
I love your blog and love the way you teach me every day!
Thanks Emily!
🙂 Thanks for laughing at my jokes!
how do i say this but this has been the best year of my life because of Mr Mernin his jokes his story time are a unforgettable memory so thank you for your support and it was a wonderful year with you thank you-Anushka.
Thanks Anushka!
Keep studying, kid.
You must be a wonderful teacher and man, just look at the comments before me!
Mr. Mernin is a great teacher. I will be sad to leave your class. :’-(
I heard that a baby is coming up!
I remember when I was in Mr.Mernins class in 4th grade, that was 3 years ago!! Time really flies. I miss the good old days where everything was simple, where only 1 teacher taught everything instead of having different teachers for different subjects. Hope you have a good time Mr.Mernin!!!