Teaching Philosophy

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that it is my responsibility to create a safe, positive, and encouraging learning environment; one that will help students thrive intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. This environment, along with a positive demeanor, will help children develop into responsible, independent, and productive members of society. Since each child learns and develops differently, it is my responsibility to provide instruction in ways that will allow all students the opportunity to learn and grow. I believe that students learn best when they are engaged. Through interesting and engaging lessons, my students will be motivated to learn. I believe that my students will leave my class not only with more academic knowledge, but with a more developed sense of right and wrong, compassion, and understanding of others.

Diversity and Differentiation

My classroom is a place where all students can learn without fear of failure. It is a place where students can and are encouraged to be themselves – their best selves. I believe that all students have the capability for knowledge and learning. By using multiple and diverse methods of instruction, I can reach students who understand better with auditory, kinesthetic, or visual activities. By differentiating instruction based on individual needs, I can ensure that all students will be able to comprehend and progress. Additionally, students have ample opportunities to work with others as I balance between whole group instruction, small group collaboration, and individual work. My classroom is a place where we celebrate and embrace diversity. It is a place where all students regardless of academic, cultural, physical, economic, or cognitive differences are welcome.

Life-Long Learning

I believe teaching is a life-long learning process. Regardless of one’s years of experience, there is always room for improvement. I feel that in a world as ever-changing as ours, it is crucial for teachers to be open-minded and receptive to new ideas and styles of teaching. A strong teacher is willing to experiment with and adapt a wide variety of teaching methods, as he or she understands no two students ever learn in the same way. As much as my students learn from me, I too in turn learn from them. I continuously strive to better myself for the betterment of myself and my students.

Life-long learning does not only apply to myself. I believe it is my responsibility to instill a desire of learning and knowledge into my students. By connecting instruction to the real world, I will open the student’s mind to wonder. Hopefully this wonderment will develop into curiosity; leading the students to a future filled with exploring the world and a never ending search of information.

“Since each child learns and develops differently, it’s my responsibility to provide instruction in ways that will allow all students the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Classroom Management

I firmly believe the respect I show my students is the respect I will receive in return. I will help my students learn how to take care of and respect themselves, others, and the world around them. The classroom environment is one that fosters respect for all, responsibility for actions, and readiness to learn. Additionally, I will always be empathetic and compassionate towards my students. A positive attitude and demeanor are the base of my teaching. Enthusiasm is contagious and enthusiastic instruction will make my students more willing and interested in learning.

That being said, specific behaviors are expected in my class. Specific classroom procedures will inform students of the type of behavior they are expected to demonstrate. I hold each student accountable for their learning and encourage him or her to succeed in the classroom. Students will be aware of the consequences of their behaviors. It is my responsibility to make sure my actions are consistent – both for choosing what actions are unacceptable and the resulting consequences.

Collaboration and Communication

I believe maintaining open communication with parents and other educators is a crucial part of educating. This communication will not only be implemented when the student has difficulty or behavioral problems. It will also be used daily – describing the student’s highlights, achievements, and information learned. Information shared will also include school news and community activities. This communication will be used as a base of establishing a relationship with my student’s caregivers.

Communication with staff and other school members is also necessary. An open relationship promotes opportunities for support in the various areas of teaching including curriculum, behavior issues, and other concerns within the school.