Hello! My name is Joanna Rockwell and this is my second year teaching at QISS. Last year, I taught third grade. I am looking forward to teaching fourth grade this year as I get to continue working with the wonderful students I taught last year plus some new faces. I love working at QISS because the school has a positive environment and tight-knit community.
I come from New Jersey in the United States. Some of my favorite things to do include hiking, reading, cross-stitching, drawing, and yoga. I am happy to call Qingdao my home for a second year as it is a beautiful city with fantastic ocean views and an abundance of mountains for hiking. Ever since my experience as a teaching assistant at an early childhood school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have taught a diverse range of students in elementary grades. Being a part of the journey each student takes as they expand their knowledge is truly a joy for me. I am enriched by providing the consistency, consideration, and nurturing that each student needs. Being a teacher is more than just facilitating learning. I also dedicate myself to supporting the socio-emotional needs of my students by creating a productive and safe learning environment. Encouraging students to view themselves as a team promotes trust and collaboration. I help students feel comfortable sharing their ideas by giving them positive reinforcement and displaying their work around the classroom. When students know that their ideas and thoughts are valued, they develop confidence in their capacity to engage in the thinking and doing that will lead to their success in learning. I love being part of the active community here at QISS and am tremendously happy to be teaching 4th grade this year! |