Bio
My name is Amanda Haney I am a special education teacher at Pocono Mountain School District. I am certified in grades K-4 Regular Education and K-8 Special Education. I teach 4th grade math in a supplemental learning support classroom, 6th grade ELA inclusion and Wilson Reading. I have always enjoyed art as I find it therapeutic and inspiring. Over the years I have tried many different techniques to engage students within my classroom. I have also tried to motivate students to get involved by hosting an Art Club at the school I teach at. I was overwhelmed with the response. I had 120 students return permission slips within 5 days. I created different groups so all students could get involved throughout our 7 week after school program. It inspired me to know that so many students want to be creative. I became motivated to increase the creativity in my classroom. Many of my students struggle with creativity when it comes to writing, but they are able to express it in different ways. Students need time to refocus and gain motivation throughout lessons to be able to express their creativity. This year I begin implementing “Mindfulness” in my classroom. Mindfulness has opened up new learning experiences for my students.