My Philosophy Of Teaching

Education is in a state of flux. Teaching and learning theories are thrown around and bureaucratic malaise affects administrators, teachers and students on a daily basis. On top of these things, there is a serious disparity in the quality of education for urban students when compared to the education received by their suburban peers. Teachers take on many roles in the community and the classroom: parent, mentor, nurse, counselor, and of course, facilitator of learning. When mixed with parental involvement, a teacher can have an exceptional power over the learning and success of their students. Within the classroom, a teacher makes obtaining knowledge easier for each individual student through strategies, love and organization. Within a community, a teacher can promote a sense of pride and optimism for the future of community members. An exceptional teacher can balance all of these roles while staying grounded in her own roles outside of the classroom.

While each student is an individual, there are things that benefit every student. I believe students learn best in a safe environment that encourages thinking, doing and reflecting. It is my belief that with the safety of the classroom and a mentor that supports and encourages each student, children can reach their potential and push themselves even farther. While there are many styles of teaching there are also many styles for learning. I have often equated being a teacher to being a doctor of learning. Each student has different strengths, weaknesses and learning styles. It is the responsibility of the teacher to find a diagnosis and remedy for each individual student. When nurtured and provided with many tools to draw from, students can not only learn content, they can master a foundation for learning that will take them to college and make them an integral part of society. The goals I have for my students are mastery of learning, problem solving and social growth. By integrating these goals into a positive learning environment, new opportunities arise and renew curiosity, culture and discipline in the students.

I am a lifelong learner who strives to continually grow and gain new strategies, technology and classroom ideas in order to better my teaching and my students’ education. I believe this is the foundation of a child’s education. With the efforts of the parent, teacher, school and community, a child can dream big and accomplish those dreams. I stand behind the belief that parental involvement, along with excellent teaching methods that encourage higher order thinking skills and consistent discipline, can make a difference: in a life, a school and a community. Walt Disney said, “When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably.” The thing that I believe in, implicitly and unquestionably, is a quality education for every student, one that allows them to see a future without limitations. I, like most, have spent time improving myself through education, exploration and self-reflection. The next chapter in my life is not mine; rather it belongs to every student that comes into my life. It becomes their chapter, their accomplishments and their future. I intend to share with every child that knowledge is empowerment, a power that can lift them up and carry them wherever they want to go.