Teaching Philosophy

To teach…is to touch…a life…forever…

To teach…

            As a teacher, it is important to demonstrate to students that community can be formed among a diverse group of students, no matter what their similarities or differences.  In the classroom, I will provide students the opportunity to guide their own learning, based on their interests.  They will work as a collaborative group to ensure their needs are met and dreams and desires are investigated and pursued.  Just because learning must align with the standards does not mean that students cannot help to determine what methods they find most valuable in maintaining the information that they are provided by the teacher.  Sometimes, learning the material in an investigative manner rather than being lectured to can help students understand and be able to think critically and independently in the future.

is to touch…

            While teaching students, I myself will be touched by the students, and continue to learn from them in order to better my future students’ education.  It is just as important that the teacher learn new techniques through practice as it is for the students to learn new information.  Both teachers and students are touched by different events inside and outside of the classroom.  They develop a respect for one another, leading towards a more effective working environment.  The combination of support from teachers, parents, and administrators, will help lead to the success of the students.  It may seem difficult for one person to touch the lives of the students; however, working collaboratively can be an effective method for those involved.

a life…

            Each student is an individual and must be treated as such.  No two students will learn in exactly the same way or have exactly the same interests.  As a teacher, I would address different learning styles through carefully planned lessons.  These principles must be repeated by students using different techniques, including such things as visual lessons and hands-on experiences, in partners and in pairs or groups.  When students feel as though their personal preferences or abilities are being recognized, they feel a greater respect for the one teaching the guiding principles, and are more likely to be receptive to new information.  Monitoring the accomplishment of these goals throughout the school year will ensure that students are experiencing academic progress.

forever…

            Students are impacted by each and every adult that they look up to as they make their way through the school system.  This could be a positive or negative experience, depending on the interactions they have with their elders.  I hope to have a positive impact and provide resources and strategies for lifelong learning.  Additionally, students must acquire a love of learning throughout their early school years in order to build on their learning and enthusiastically continue to gather confidence and a greater skill set for later success.  Just one moment can have a great impact on a student who looks up to their teacher as a role model and mentor.  After having me as a teacher, my students will want to come back and visit a teacher who has left a lasting impact on their life.