Hello My Name Is...

Dr. Porter

There's always a bold, new adventure awaiting... Let's make it a GREAT one!

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I chose the sunrise as my 'welcome' picture, because it most represents the beauty of the new day, the new year, and new beginnings full of promise and bursting with energy. For those of you who do not know who I am. I am the 5-8 Counselor and I teach 4th grade Physical Education. I am extremely excited to be teaching a new class this year that I call, "Dr. P's Personal Power Program. It will help students learn all the strategies they need to be excellent learners. I also coach JV Girls' Basketball.
 In my role as the Middle School Counselor,  I look forward to working with the students, the parents, and the staff as we continue to focus on the social emotional needs and continued growth of all.  In my role as a physical education instructor, I focus on developing individuals who love being active. In my role as the JV Basketball Coach, I look forward to the personal growth that takes place for all of us as we progress through the season.

I began my career at Fairview, in July of 1988, as a Physical Education Teacher. Prior to that I had 2.5 years of teaching experience in another district. In 1993, the district agreed to pilot a Counseling Program that I had created, and thus began my long tenure as the School Counselor. As Counselor, I work with most students at some point in their Fairview career. Students may see me because of life transitions, kid-to-kid conflict, life losses, or a plethora of other reasons. I have an open door policy and everyone is always welcome to stop by.

I am a firm believer in lifelong learning. I was an undergraduate student at Northeastern Illinois University, where I earned a B.A. in Elementary Education, a B.A. in Physical Education, and a minor in Health. I hold an M.S. in Physical Education, an M.A. in Counseling, an M.A. in Educational Administration, and my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

 My number one  goal continues to be: To promote a physically and emotionally safe educational environment through the education of behavioral expectations and the immediate response to any actions that would have a negative impact to furthering that cause. Fairview is a home-away-from-home for nine years of students' lives. In this house... everyone feels welcomed, respected and safe!

Please check back often as I will be adding links and documents throughout the year.

There IS a new adventure coming... and I know it will be a great one!

Counselor, 5-8
Dr. P's Personal Power Program
Physical Education Instructor 4
Girls' JV Basketball Coach