All About Mr. Birk

Hello and welcome to my teacher page! My name is Mr. Doug Birk and I am thrilled to be starting my eighth year teaching 3rd grade at River Valley. I believe that 3rd grade is a magical time in a child’s life and I enjoy learning as much from them as they do with me. The 3rd grade curriculum can have a rigorous jump from 2nd grade. There are many new math and reading concepts that are introduced to the children. My teaching philosophy starts with building a safe and comfortable community in the classroom or as I call it, a “Classroom Family”. Everything else seems to fall in place after creating this type of environment.

I have been in education for 11 years. Before teaching in the 3rd grade, I was a Educational Technology Teacher for elementary school students. I was involved in using technology as a tool to help students engage in their existing schoolwork. I taught technology in grades pre-K through 4th grade.

When not at school, I love spending time with my family. My oldest son, Matthew, resides in Arizona and is studying for his doctorate in Psychology at Midwestern University. My youngest son, Cameron, is studying Environmental Science at Purdue University and has plans to study law after he graduates.

Education is a second career for me. Before teaching, I was a Senior Project Manager for several large commercial contracting companies. I have managed several construction projects including airports, shopping malls, retail shopping centers and stores, resort hotels, and prisons.

Education

Purdue University - Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Olivet Nazarene University - Master of Arts in Elementary Education
College of St. Scholastica - Endorsement in Technology for Education

Favorite Quotes:

"Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn." By: Benjamin Franklin

"Shoot for the moon. Because even if you miss, you'll lank among the stars. By: Les Brown