Autumn Dillaman
Teaching
Below, you will find photos documenting some of my experiences at Falk over the past few years. These photos serve as evidence of my teaching philosophy.
I hope you are having an excellent start to your summer holiday. I've been reading end-of-year grade card comments all day today, and I just wanted to drop you this quick note to share with you how much I appreciated and admired your comments to your students. You show a deep and thoughtful sensibility about each and every one of them, both as learners and (perhaps more importantly) as people. It probably goes without saying that I was most specifically taken with your detailed, on-point comments about math. You show both a rich knowledge of the content you teach as well as the capabilities of the students with whom you have worked in this discipline. I love that you go into specifics about the content and don't simply talk about classroom behavior and/or participation rates, which is all-too-common, I'm afraid. I mostly just wanted to thank you for always going the extra mile. It shows; I notice and appreciate it, and I am certain that your families and students do, too." -Jeff Suzik, Director, Falk School, June 2016
Classroom Environment
I work hard to keep my classroom organized yet comfortable. It is my desire that students have room to work in a variety of locations, are able to take ownership of the space, and have easy access to any resources or materials they may need.
I am continually searching for a comfortable and efficient set-up for my classroom. There are many factors to consider and each arrangement offers pros and cons. This is the current set-up of my classroom. You can see the desks arranged in pods of four, each marked with a different colored dot. Each pod of desks is located near a shelf containing many of the items students use frequently so they can access them easily. In addition, the top of the shelf provides a space for students to place their folders and notebooks, so they have a clear desk on which to work. Another new addition this year are the two worktables by the windows. These have become a popular option during both independent and partner work time.
Years ago, I removed my formal teacher desk from the classroom and purchased a small standing desk. The impact of this decision has been two-fold. First, it has opened up more space for the students in the classroom. Second, it has made me move about the classroom more, moving from pod to pod, or even sitting in an empty seat for a bit and becoming part of a group of students.
One unique feature of my classroom environment is how I use the integrated office. I have organized it in a way that allows the students to use most of the space. Over the past couple years, this has become a popular workspace for students. Small groups love to go in there to have a quieter space in which to work. The space is most frequently used for collaboration, but is also used for making, social interactions, and assessments.
A few years ago, I wanted a table for this space in the classroom, but all of the options that were available to me were too large and took away unnecessary space from the students. As a result, I measured the space, created a design, and built a table with this specific use in mind. It holds the two classroom computers within a minimal footprint. In addition, I built the two white computer stands so students could easily push the keyboards out of the way and have another space to work besides their desks.
At the end of the 4th grade year, I ask students what features they would like me to incorporate into the classroom for 5th grade. This includes what classroom responsibilities they would like to manage. This display of classroom jobs that I created reflects the ideas of students in regard to responsibilities and the theme "under the sea."
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to refurbish an old desk someone else was sending to surplus. I removed the old tabletop, gave the frame a new coat of paint, and built and mounted on new work surface. In addition, I ordered a pegboard to hold some tools and materials. Together, these items create an area of the classroom where students can explore making.
Back to top
Science
"I wanted to write and tell you how impressed I've been with [daughter's] stories about the current robotics project. The amount and frequency of 'failure' really makes my heart swell. One reason is that I believe [daughter] is starting to shift her thinking and see every failure and setback as a chance to switch things up and try something new. It is SO important to me that she has these sort of soft skills, like persistence and the ability to collaborate, and I see how she is developing these skills very much through the robotics project. Also, the stories of her and Max communicating and figuring out how to be teammates even with language barriers makes me really proud of her. Thanks for offering your support and guidance. [My husband] and I both hugely appreciate it." -Parent, December 2016
During an exploration of cryptography this student shared how he had prior knowledge and experience with the Pigpen Cipher. As a result, he became the expert in the classroom and shared his understanding with his peers.
The members of this group debate about what changes they need to make to their program. They have been challenged to program a LEGO Mindstorms robot travel a distance of thirty inches and stop.
The members of this group discuss what commands they will need to include in their Mindstorms program. They have been challenged to design a program that has their robot travel in a square.
Students interested in learning about the auditory system meet with a parent volunteer who is an audiologist. These students did research and developed questions in preparation for this meeting so they could maximize the time with a professional.
As part of a presentation about the immune system, a student illustrated one of the phases of regeneration our immune system goes through when dealing with a wound.
This group of students works together to collect data on the holding power of ring magnets. This activity gave students opportunities to make hypotheses, collect data, organize and analyze class data, discuss findings, and make connections to the real world.
During the Magnetism unit, students were challenged to build a gravity defying system. This student designed and built a structure then fine-tuned it, adding more gravity defying objects.
Back to top
Language Arts
After we did some writing about fall, this student decided to write a poem about harvest for her final project.
After we did some writing about Thanksgiving, students created placemats that were donated to Meals-On-Wheels.
After we did some writing about winter, this student decided to write a poem about winter for her final project.
After exploring compound words, students created "Compound Cartoons" playing with the literal meanings of the words.
Using information explored with the Vertebrates Unit in science, students created animal "Prayer Poems."
As part of our unit exploring "Self," students created "Me Recipes."
At the end of our unit exploring "Self," students used descriptive words to create caricatures of themselves.
Back to top
Mentoring
"Thank you for everything this semester. This has been an incredible placement (definitely my favorite so far). Your relationship with the students is beautiful and definitely something I aspire to. Thanks again for everything. Working in the school, room 118, and with you ahs been unforgettable." -Intern, December 2016
"I am beyond thankful for our time together. I can truly say with such joy that I walked through the doors each morning thrilled to see what the day was going to hold. You created and fostered an environment for me that made me feel I could take risks and chances, implement lesson and activities I was anxious to try, and your unwavering support and encouragement made all the difference. You helped me gain confidence in myself, which is something I really need. Your passion for the students is contagious and you give to your students every drop of energy and love you have. Although this might not have been your intention, you somehow passed on your love of math to me; who would have thought? You brought me into the community of room 118 and I quickly felt like an integral piece of that puzzle. If it could be possible, I would just move onto 5th grade with y'all." -Intern, June 2015
This intern had a passion for her pets and wanted to share them with the students. As a result, her two Russian dwarf hamsters came to live in the classroom for a couple months. Students loved interacting with the hamsters and helping to care for them.
Back to top
Extracurricular Activities
I really enjoy spending time with my students outside of the classroom. It is one way I can get to know them better as individuals as well as get to know their families.
Climbing at Ascend
Biking
"Thanks for organizing such a wonderful bike ride on Saturday! [Daughter] and I both agreed tonight that it was the highlight of our weekend. There is something about riding bikes in a group that is really special, especially in Fall and Spring. I just loved every single thing about it!" -Parent, October 2016
Other Activities
When I found out one of my students plays hockey, I went to go see her in action.
When I heard one of my students had a solo in this production, I went to support her.
I love supporting my students at the school concerts each winter and spring.
I volunteer to help at Falk's Family Fitness Night. The evening is always a lot of fun.
I got to support Falk graduates by participating in a competition hosted by the Allderdice rowing team.
Coaching
For years, I have had the privilege of coaching many wonderful middle school students. It is always a fun time for me because I get to spend time with former students and get to know some of the students who I did not have an opportunity to teach. From 2006-2012, I coached both middle school soccer teams and I have been coaching the girls’ basketball teams since 2006. I especially enjoy introducing students to the many benefits of playing sports and of being a member of a team.
"I can't thank you enough for coaching [my daughter]. I watched the other coaches at the games and gave thanks that you were her coach! This has
been a highlight of her year (mine too!). She loved every minute. If you ever need a letter of recommendation, please let me know, (but hope you
stay at Falk 'til [younger daughter] graduates!"
-Girl's Basketball Parent
This group was delighted after a big comeback win.
The girls basketball A team at a local tournament
The girls basketball team at a Pitt women's basketball game
Girls Basketball A team 2013-2014
6th grade Soccer team Fall 2012
Telefalk - Falk's Yearbook
In 2007, I took over as the creator of Falk's yearbook, the Telefalk. Each year, I try to bring new ideas based on current trends. The Telefalk is definately a labor of love. It is always a challenge to get every section done, but it is very rewarding seeing the students look through the Telefalk for the first time while sharing their own memories from the school year.
A Telefalk cover featuring artwork created by middle school students.
Back to top