Rose Wagner

EDU 452/ Dr. Sue Fuson

January 29, 2014
Philosophy of Education
I think classroom success begins with the teacher. If I am not ready, how can I prepare
someone else let alone an entire class? Continuous preparation, organization, and classroom
management are essential to my success. I will arrange and label manipulatives, books, supplies,
and materials by subject for easy planning and student access. I will position desks, centers, and
visual aids for optimal learning and interaction with students. I will post specific procedures and
rules in the classroom and take time to teach them to students. The day will begin by reviewing
the schedule and posting it on the board. I will prepare lessons and materials in advance to ensure
time is being well-managed. I think it is important as a teacher to reflect on what is and is not
working and be adaptable to changes in all the above mentioned areas.
I think students learn best when they are actively engaged with lessons taught using
multiple modes of communication such as audio, tactile, and visual. My lessons will involve as
many of the senses as possible to help students stay interested, make connections, and retain
information. Throughout my instruction, students will be given opportunities to take part in the
learning process. I will organize my classroom in a way that enables students to work
independently as well as in cooperative groups. I will ask students to discuss important facts or
ideas with partners, small groups, or whole group during learning. Whenever possible, I will use
hands on learning and multimedia demonstrations. I will ask students to reflect on their learning
through questions or journal writing. I will use active participation not only to engage my

students, but also to check for understanding throughout instruction. This will allow me to
reinforce important information, correct any misunderstandings, and help individuals or small
groups who need extra instruction.
I want my students to know I have high expectations for each one of them. However, this
does not mean I will have the same expectations for every student. Learning is a personal
experience. Therefore, I think it is important to have individual goals set for each student. Not
only do I want students to know I have high expectations of them, but I want them to take
ownership of their learning. I think one way to emphasize both is through student portfolios. I
will help each student set up an academic portfolio at the beginning of the year. Portfolios will
include baseline information obtained at the beginning of the year in each subject area, samples
of work throughout the year, goals determined by myself and the student, and a way for them to
track and measure their success. I think it is a powerful motivator for students to have a reference
point and to compare their earlier work with recent work. I will visit with students often and give
them meaningful feedback on their portfolios.
One of my strengths as a teacher is my ability to relate to people from different
socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. I enjoy the relationships I have built with
students and parents in the past. I have taken and will take the time to get to know my students
on a personal level and pay special attention to their interests and dislikes. This has helped me
engage students in learning, solve conflicts, and show students I care about them beyond the
classroom. I think it is important to get to know parents as well. I have taken the opportunity to
greet parents while they are dropping off or picking up their children. I have gained so much
knowledge about students and their families from these brief interactions. The informal
conversations allow parents to open up and keep me abreast of changes, accomplishments, or

concerns they or their child may have. I know I will not have this opportunity in every school, so
I plan to make informal phone calls to parents and make myself available to parents through
phone, email, and texts. I will reassure them no issue is too small, and my goal is to make every
child feel significant and valued. I want parents to know I value them as well, and I believe they
are the best teacher their child has. I hope to involve parents in the classroom through classroom
activities, small group support, and any learning experiences they have to offer. I want to
encourage parents to continue to take advantage of learning experiences at home with and
without my support.
Most importantly, I am a role model for my students. I have a deep appreciation for
learning and public education, and I want to share this with my students. I will model good
citizenship, social behavior, and compassion for others. Last, I will demonstrate my love of
learning by bringing in outside resources to supplement school curriculum and demonstrate for
my students how they can continue learning outside the classroom.

References
Jones, V., & Jones, L. (2010). Comprehensive classroom management: Creating communities of
support and solving problems. (9th ed.). Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Richardson, S. (November 22, 2011). Statement of teaching philosophy. The Bok Blog. Retrieved
from http://blog.bokcenter.harvard.edu/2011/11/22/statement-of-teaching-philosophy/
Telljohann, S., Symons, C., Pateman, B., & Seabert, D. (2012). Building and managing the safe
and positive learning environment, Health education: Elementary and middle school
applications, (7th ed.). (pp. 87-112). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill