Martha S. Ochs, M.Ed.
Grade 5

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I have been teaching at the elementary level for nineteenteen years: ten of those years in a special education program, and six years in a second grade classroom. I then taught two "loops" of grades four and five. I am beginning my third year teaching 5th grade. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development, Post Baccalaureate certification in Elementary Education, and a Master of Education degree in Moderate Special Needs. On the heels of completing my Master’s degree, two of my colleagues and I, along with thirty-two other teachers from across the state were accepted into a four year (year-round) teacher-research program at Mount Holyoke College, funded by the National Science Foundation, to study "The Big Ideas" in mathematics at the elementary level, which we completed in 1996. Although my professional credentials identify me as a "Master" of what I do, I see myself, in fact, as a learner with classroom management expertise. It is my conviction that this perspective enables me to be a more effective guide for other learners—regardless of age. This conviction is rooted in my basic (if over-simplified) philosophy that all people are worthy of respect, regardless of their age/ circumstances.

My classroom is where this conviction is deliberately fostered. I have adapted the Responsive Classroom Program’s philosophy( which reflects my own) and many of its methods. Essentially, this program, which is research based, very effectively addresses issues of community-building in the school/classroom, a requisite to learning.

I maintain an "open-door" policy in my classroom.. I welcome parents, teachers-in-training, and interested community members.

Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 have been working on their math skills on-line at Study Island. This website allows students to practice important math skills and concepts in a format that is fun and engaging. Students can access Study Island from any computer that has internet access. Check it out and encourage your kids to go to Study Island!