EMPOWERING MINDS

Hi, I'm Audrei Chaffin! I am from Johnson City, and I developed a passion for teaching and helping students learn early on in my educational career. Although I went all the way through the public education system, I have developed an intense curiosity and determination regarding alternative education and the difference that it can make in the lives of students. I have made it my mission to show that meeting each student's learning needs, passions, and pace is not only possible but also necessary. Combining my passion for teaching and helping students has led me to seek a career outside the typical public school classroom setting. Much of my education and study is focused on STEM subjects, and teaching students (of all ages) mathematics and science is where I find myself most comfortable and confident. This is evident with the work that I am doing towards both a mathematics and a biology associate's degree. These degrees will allow me to approach curriculum analysis/development and teaching with vast and deep knowledge of both subjects. Still, as long as I am working to better the understanding and confidence of students, I find great joy, no matter what subject we are working on. I believe that the most important ways to learn about teaching students are to become a subject matter expert by always being willing to be a learner myself and to prioritize as much direct hands-on experience with students as possible. 

My teaching philosophy surrounds discovery, student-led learning. I love to combine elements of Montessori, Classical, and Charlotte Mason educational approaches in order to ensure learning is directed toward helping students develop a love of learning rather than memorization strategies. Discovery, student-led learning means that I always make a point to expose students to resources individualized according to their own learning style and interests while giving them both the freedom and accountability involved with taking responsibility for their own learning choices. My job is to provide quality resources and knowledgeable guidance to students as they approach material, confident in their ability to work through problems using productive struggle. I engage students in mastery-based instruction. It is always important to ensure that no student is left behind or held back in their learning. It is often seen as too difficult or too small-scale to move at the pace of individual students; however, I think that this is the educational approach that all students deserve. In light of this, each student receives proper diagnostics upon first meeting. I provide each parent a personalized learning plan that outlines the timeline, objectives, and planned methods of my work. I also provide monthly progress reports to show parents how students are progressing, as well as detail how students' learning plans may change or adapt according to that progress.