"Your life as a teacher begins the day you realize you are always a learner."
"Your life as a teacher begins the day you realize you are always a learner."
Hi there! My name is Megan Breeden, and I am so excited to share a little bit about myself. I have dedicated my career to early childhood and elementary education, where I’ve had the privilege of working as a pre-kindergarten teacher, curriculum developer, and administrator. Each of these roles has fueled my passion for teaching and helping young learners grow.
I am currently serving as a long-term substitute teacher at Robey Elementary in MSD Wayne Township, working with a third-grade classroom. In mid-March, I will transition to a fourth-grade classroom for another long-term assignment, continuing to build strong relationships with students and fostering their academic growth. Prior to this, I completed my student teaching at William McKinley School 39, working with a vibrant kindergarten class. These experiences have solidified my commitment to education and allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings across multiple grade levels.
I live in the heart of downtown Indianapolis with my wonderful husband and our sweet three-legged dog, Arthur. Outside of teaching, I love spending my weekends immersed in the outdoors, whether hiking or paddling in my kayak. When I’m not outdoors, you’ll often find me cozying up with a good book or seeking out new culinary adventures at local restaurants.
I believe in the power of education to inspire, uplift, and transform, and I’m committed to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all learners. I can’t wait to bring my passion for teaching and my sense of adventure into the classroom!
Teaching is more than a profession to me—it is a calling. I believe that education is the foundation for growth, both academically and personally. I am inspired by the transformative power of teaching to ignite curiosity, foster confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning in children. Knowing that I can make a meaningful impact in a child’s life drives my commitment to this profession. Each day, I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and capable of achieving great things.
I am a constructivist and culturally-responsive educator who believes that teaching is most effective when it is student-centered. By fostering active engagement, collaboration, and creativity, I strive to create a dynamic learning environment where students are at the heart of the process. Learning should be a meaningful experience that connects to students' unique experiences and interests. I encourage students to ask questions, explore, and take ownership of their learning journey.
As an educator, my role is to guide, support, and challenge students in a way that respects their cultural backgrounds and identities. I believe that by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum, I can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. I am committed to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By empowering students to think critically, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, I hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
One of my primary goals as an educator is to cultivate critical thinking skills in my students. Critical thinkers are able to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form well-reasoned judgments. I believe that critical thinking is essential for success in both academic and personal endeavors.
To foster critical thinking, I will employ the following instructional strategies:
Problem-Based Learning: By presenting real-world problems and challenges, I can encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to find innovative solutions.
Socratic Questioning: Through thoughtful questioning, I can guide students to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and develop their own understanding.
To assess student mastery of critical thinking, I will use the following tools:
Performance Assessments: By assigning tasks that require students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems or create products, I can gain insights into their critical thinking abilities.
Rubrics: Using well-defined rubrics, I can provide specific feedback on students' work, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement.
Building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues is essential for creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. I believe in open and honest communication, active listening, and mutual respect. By taking the time to get to know my students and their families on a personal level, I can build trust and foster a sense of belonging.
To build positive relationships, I will:
Communicate Regularly: I will maintain regular communication with parents and guardians through newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher conferences.
Seek Feedback: I will actively seek feedback from students, parents, and colleagues to identify areas for improvement and to strengthen our relationships.
Collaborate with Colleagues: By working collaboratively with other educators, I can share best practices, support one another, and create a more cohesive school community.
By embracing these principles and practices, I hope to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential.