Personal Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is about making a positive difference in the world. Teaching is likely the single most important way to develop and support long-term positive change in the world which is why I am passionate about becoming the best teacher possible. My personal goals for teaching include igniting the learning process, inspiring courage to grow intellectually, cultivating curiosity, providing opportunities for developing relationships, challenging and clarifying values, uplifting the spirit and fostering independent critical thinking skills. These goals go beyond the requirement of instilling required knowledge in students and instead focus on instilling lifelong learning skills.
The many lofty goals of teaching require a solid foundation. This foundation relies upon a dynamic classroom that on one hand must have order and structure, and on the other hand must provide freedom for students to learn, articulate, wonder and explore. Classroom management then is a critical component of the foundation for a successful learning environment. The classroom management must provide structure and order providing a safe environment that is not overly distracting to the learning process, while at the same time allowing students to explore, share ideas and take risks in the learning process.
Becoming a great teacher, I believe, requires creativity, flexibility, and openness to new and different ideas about teaching. This flexibility requires adapting my teaching approaches according to the needs of learners, stimulating students in the class to be engaged in the learning process, a respect and teaching students an appreciation of diverse learners, and openness to the views, ideas and experiences of their peers.
A classroom of students will represent many forms of diversity. A classroom is likely to have students who are highly gifted academically and others whose gifts lie in other areas. However, it’s the duty of the teacher to find a way to usher the entire class into a meaningful learning environment that yields exceptional outcomes for students building their confidence and self esteem.
I continue to unravel the many attributes of creating a truly democratic learning environment. Learners must be free to pursue knowledge and understanding in new ways that are meaningful and relevant to them. The very structure and rule set of the classroom must reflect the ambitions and desires of the members of the class. Students must be able to explore and reap the consequences.
An important lesson I have begun to understand is that the learning environment doesn’t end at the classroom walls, nor does it merely consist of the teacher and students. The learning environment instead extends to families, communities and cultures. Building relationships in this diverse community can include ideas such as developing plays or musical performances that draw families and community members into students’ learning environment. Such events can help to bridge cultural, racial, socioeconomic and other divides that otherwise may hinder the learning environment. These relationships must be nurtured and built over time. Having the first interaction with parents be on a positive note helps to build a relationship with the parents and builds trust and confidence that will serve to open opportunities for communication.
One of my favorite sayings came from a special educational teaching experience. The saying came from the special education classroom teacher’s daughter though it is unclear if she wrote it, or simply passed it along. It says:
"A thousand years from now, it won't matter, what kind of car you drive or what kind of house you lived in. It will only matter what you did to help the life of a child.” or student
I will always strive to keep this in mind and seek to make a positive difference in student’s lives. This includes helping students to learn the material at hand, and also to build lifelong skills helping them to constantly learn and to appreciate the perspectives and values of others. Teaching is a rewarding position as it allows teachers to empower students to expand their knowledge and experience, changing lives for all those involved in the process.
Values I love
(from http://www.lasbest.org/what/ ) 2/16/2012
1. Nothing we do is as important as the effect it has on a child.
2. Engaging activities develop values, skills and relationships. Activities are not seen as ends in themselves, but as vehicles for creating values, building skills and solidifying peer and adult relationships. An engaging activity is one that holds children's attention, awakens their imagination, and inspires them to want to learn more.
3. All children have equal rights to be accepted, respected and valued by others. Children are viewed as individuals to be developed, not problems to be solved.
4. Children should be involved in decision-making and program design. If children get to choose how, when, in what and with whom to be engaged, they are far more likely to enjoy themselves and behave cooperatively.
5. When we listen for understanding everyone learns—children and adults alike. We are constantly able to learn from our children as well as each other. Everyone is a learner.
Copyright 2010-2015
