About Me
Jovan D. Miles
Educational Philosophy
My educational philosophy marries technology, culturally relevant pedagogy, and real world applications of mathematics and science.
I have participated in extensive professional development in the use of technology in the classroom but I am largely self taught in matters of technology. The use of technology for technology’s sake is not something I am a proponent of. There must be some reason to use podcasting or blogging or social networks in education…a reason besides the fact that these things are the flavors of the day. I am interested in changing the ways K12 education views technology. I realize that this change must occur at the student and teacher level and move upward through the various levels of leadership. True 21st century classrooms will grow organically and out of necessity rather than through a district mandate.
I have been called an autodidact by those that know me. I believe that personal interest in a field of study is the greatest motivator to learn and I try inspire my own innate curiosity in my students and colleagues.
My professional interests include quantitative educational research, using technology for teacher collaboration, instructional technology, mathematics education, and special education inclusion models. I have worked as a special education co-teacher in my own mathematics classes and I believe that there can be much success in these models if thorough planning takes place before hand.
My personal interests include blogging, reading, working out, books, movies, and music. I am an avid collector of graphic novels, movies, and Hip Hop albums.
Current Projects
Miles Academy Incorporated - I have recently started a non-profit organization dedicated to providing lower income and under-served student populations with access to computers and the internet. The goal of the organization is to provide laptop and desktop computers as well as one year of high speed internet access to students through a competetive essay process. The website for Miles Academy Incorporated is currently under construction.
MilesAcademy.net – This is the online portal to my traditional classroom. I am using the Moodle course management system to create and deliver original content to students. In addition to traditional course modules I plan to create courses of independent study in computer science, web design, and creative writing that students can enroll in and complete at their leisure. As I mentioned above, I beleive that personal choice in a field of study is the greatest motivator and an amazing way to ensure student success. The website for MilesAcademy.net will always be under construction. It will be updated to meet the needs of students as they, and I, learn the best ways to deliver the content.
Education
Master of Science in Educational Research
Georgia State University
January 2008 – Present
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Georgia State University
August 1999 – August 2004
Areas of Certification
4-8 Mathematics
6-12 Mathematics
6-12 Business Education
Employment History
Atlanta Public Schools, Turner Middle School
Atlanta, GA June 2005 – February 2009
Middle Grades Math Teacher (6-8)
Grade Level Chair 2007 – 2008
Mathematics Department Chair 2008 – 2009
DeKalb County Schools, Ashford Park Elementary
Chamblee, GA January 2005-May 2005
Paraprofessional
Henry County Schools, Red Oak Elementary
Stockbridge, GA November 2004-December 2004
Computer Lab Instructor/Paraprofessional
Henry County Schools, Pate’s Creek Elementary
Stockbridge, GA August 2004-November 2004
After-School Instructor
