Sherman’s career as an educator began when he was a basketball coach and fell in love with the teacher-student relationship.  His early classroom experiences were in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades; he eventually found his calling as a kindergarten teacher.  As one of the very first male kindergarten teachers in the state of Indiana, Sherman was given the nickname “Mr. Kindergarten,” a name by which he is still known today.  His expertise is also drawn from his days as an assistant principal.  This combination of classroom and administrative experience makes him an ideal university supervisor.

Sherman’s Educational Philosophy illustrates his desire to provide a safe environment for children to be challenged and to grow.  He believes in respecting the individual, developing meaningful connections, encouraging risk to enhance learning, and seeing the whole child in each student.

On a personal note, Sherman tells us that he likes to play golf and basketball, go out to dinner with his wife, and listen to all kinds of music.  He also shares an interesting fact about his family:  “I’m very proud of my family, of which all are teachers.” 

Educational Philosophy

“A teacher is one who makes two ideas grow where only one grew before.”
Elbert Hubbard

“Education is a social process...
Education is growth...
Education is, not a preparation for life
Education is life itself.”
John Dewey

I believe that all students should be given a safe and loving environment in which to learn. Children learn best when they know that the teacher cares about them as an individual. I achieve this by making connections with them. I greet each child at the door everyday with a hug and kind word. They look forward to this as much as I do. I also listen to what they have to say, and I use that information to make later connections with each child.

I feel that it is extremely important for children to be risk takers. If they stop taking risks then they stop trying to learn. If this occurs then the children will not reach their learning potential. As they become risk takers they learn anything and everything. To help them become risk takers I praise them for the things that they can do, and do not single out all their mistakes. I see where the mistakes are, and I use this as areas I need to reinforce and encourage for further learning.

I also believe that children need to be stimulated and exposed to all areas of life. The more information that the children are exposed to the better choices they can make for themselves. The children need all kinds of information about things around them so that they can make choices that will best benefit them. I encourage children to make the best choices for themselves, and not what another peer tells them is best.

As teachers we need to see children as a whole child, and not just a child to whom we teach academics. We need to focus on the whole child: the social, the emotional, the physical, as well as the academic. All these areas need to be met in order for the child to develop. I believe when all these areas are addressed with the child then the child will learn more and at a faster rate.

I feel fortunate to be part of so many students’ lives, It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I am able to provide an excellent environment for learning, and an atmosphere that is conducive for the children to learn and love to learn.

Awards

·         Teacher of the Year (Fox Hill), 2005

·         Distinguished Hoosier Award (awarded by Governor Mitch Daniels), 2005

·         Outstanding College Supervisor Award (ATE-IACTE), 2007