Tyler Zimmer

Student Teaching Seminar

March 2, 2015
Philosophy of Education
Every student is unique in the way they learn. I believe that each student starts out
as a blank canvas, and as educators it is our job to paint that blank canvas into a beautiful
masterpiece. It is a long process with many peaks and valleys, but with a solid education
a student can become a vital success to our society. Each student is different and
understanding that as a teacher is crucial. Therefore, I strive everyday to bring out each
students fullest potential, working around the distractions of the outside world. Taking
one day at a time, students will begin to reach their full potential for the day. Each day
that passes will foster lifelong learning.
Education is all about teamwork. Each individual in the educational process has to
do their part to contribute to the success of the students. This involves teachers,
administrators, faculty, and most importantly parents and guardians. As a former college
football player, I am all about teamwork. When one individual does not do their part it
can hurt the cause. Equal contribution from each team member is crucial for a students
success in and out of the classroom. As a teacher I will give each child the necessary tools
they will need to grow in the classroom. The students will learn the required curriculum
and everyday skills that will benefit them in the long run. I expect that parents will be
equally involved to reinsure the education at home. The teacher, parents, and students
who work hard toward the cause of their education will accomplish this.
Students need to be motivated in the classroom. The teacher must create a positive
learning environment for students to retain all the information, and it is crucial for the
parents to do the same at home. At home parents can do this by simply practicing what is
introduced at school. Take time in the evenings to help your child with their homework.
Children love us and they want to make you proud. Teachers and parents are the main
contribution to a childs education. Parents and I will always maintain organized
communication. Having all contact information in an organized file will do this. Meeting
in person is very important to me. This face-to-face communication will allow me to
build a great foundation relationship with parents. A monthly progress call will be
scheduled and completed at the end of each month. Parents are welcome to communicate
with me via email anytime they may have any questions or concerns. They will be
permitted to observe my classroom. They will need to schedule an observation
appointment through the principal and myself. They must also have the necessary
clearances completed to come in and observe. I am very welcoming to all that are
involved in this education process. That is why it is crucial to maintain a connection
between what is done in the school and at home. This is done by constant communication
between the parents and myself. Nobody will be left in the dark. When all parts of the
team are working hard toward short and long term goals, then this interaction ensures that
the child will be more focused and dedicated towards their education.

The blending of content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies are all
components of 21st century curriculum. Giving students these advanced support systems
are to help them master the diverse abilities required of them in the 21st century and life.
The United States of America is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Our
proud country has different languages, races, religions, and abilities. So if our country
were so diverse, why would I make my classroom one-way and dull? Exactly, I am not. I
am going to connect to our 21st century curriculum. Jean Piaget said The principal goal
of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing
new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done. My curriculum
instruction will help students to think critically and creatively. It will help students
collaborate and communicate. Students will be challenged to always be creative, and to
think critically to solve problems. We can accomplish critical thinking by comparing and
contrasting items. The goal is to learn a new skill such as critical thinking, and apply it to
the materials in class. Next, students will be able to develop leadership and both social
and life skills they will need for their future. Debates might be held in my classroom to
help my students to apply what they are learning about a specific topic while improving
social skills. In addition, my curriculum will help students be more aware of different
cultures of our diverse world. This will be accomplished by creating a classroom
environment that embraces the world around them. Even if we are in first grade, it is
important to start preparing our children for real world. In conclusion to 21st century
curriculum, I will never be afraid to think outside of the box. I embrace cross curriculum
lessons. This is when you can use art to complete a science project, or when you use math
skills in reading activities and much more. Anytime you lower the bar it hurts the cause
and it hurts the individual. The expectations will always be high, but I never forget that
we all must enjoy this process.
Technology is on the rise in our country. Nearly everything is relying on
technology. Attendance is taken on the computer, most books are now electronic, and
lessons are taught and done on the computers. There is a huge push for technology in the
classrooms. As an educator it is important to master the core content areas, such as
language arts, reading, mathematics, science and history, and all areas aligned to the
Pennsylvania Standards. Along with mastering the core content, the teacher must expand
on 21st century learning skills such as, collaboration, communication, creativity,
feedback, innovation, presentation, productivity, reflection, and social networking skills.
Since technology is on the rise, and todays learners are so diverse, an emphasis on
technology is very important in the classroom. Technology is a crucial part of my
education philosophy because it can make boring information come to life, with different
creative programs and apps that are available. Since technology is becoming more
important in schools, it only makes sense to make it that much more important in my
classroom. Incorporating different educational programs and applications in the class will
do this. My students will use these educational programs and applications to work on
lessons, and to explore to expand on knowledge and creativity. Technology allows young
children to learn in all different types of creative ways. My use for technology will allow
my students to expand their knowledge on traditional content in the classroom in a
different aspect. I will incorporate the smart board to present the topic, which allows
students to touch, draw, and answer using a hands on touch screen. This builds
knowledge and even fine motor skills. IPADs will be used as hands on tool to learn, too.

My students will use tools such as websites, games, applications, and computers to
introduce and reinforce learning. Considering most technology programs are interactive,
which helps students build on knowledge as a hands on way to learn. Technology is on
the rise in the outside world. You best believe it is on the rise in my classroom.
Technology enforces traditional learning, but in a new creative, more hands on type of
way.
As I progress through my professional education experience, I have learned that a day in the
classroom could be fast and chaotic. No teacher will ever be perfect and keeping track of multiple
students can be a tough task. That is why it is very important to have great classroom management skills.
Teachers need to manage their time well. An educator may teach multiple subjects throughout the day at
forty-five minutes a lesson; you have to always manage your time so that your days transition smoothly.
But it is also very important to be flexible to change. Not everything goes as planned, and you may need
to make a change on the go. My classroom management will focus on respecting our friends. This
includes respect, manners, and treating our friends how you want to be treated. I will teach my students
the classroom rules on day one and enforce them from day one to the last. Classroom rules will always be
a crucial component in any educators classroom. By teaching my students about treating others how you
want to be treated will teach my students how to create positive relationships inside and outside of the
classroom. Respecting our friends provides a positive atmosphere where all students feel important and
confident. When students respect their elders and friends then there is no reason my classroom wont be
safe for all who are in on the journey!
I will always focus on the content that is required by the state of Pennsylvania. I will always
focus on a positive learning environment. I will do this by creating an atmosphere where my students feel
safe. When my students feel safe then they can build confidence in their learning. I will have an
environment that is fun and encourages creativity. My diverse learners will have different resources that
embrace all learners and learning styles. A reading center with comfortable, yet quiet atmosphere will
allow my students to have an area, where they can focus on reading fluency, comprehension, all while
they can take a quiet break from the rest of the class. I will always create a positive learning environment
for all my students. My classroom is not only a place for learning new information that will help become
members of society, but also a safe haven for students to feel respected and important to the world around
them. This will simply be done by maximizes each of my students individual abilities.
There is a time for work, and there is a time for fun. I just want each of the
students I come across, to grow up chasing their dreams. I will equip them with a variety
of tools to create a diverse curriculum.