Scott Luepke

RED 304 - Dr. Indahl

Teaching Philosophy
Spring 2016
The goal of an outstanding teacher is to educate the whole child. I must make
personal connections with my students in addition to imparting knowledge in the areas
of literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Personal connections with my
students provide me with avenues through which I can encourage them to be confident
decision makers. Encouraging my students means I will help them realize their full
potential, assist them in setting high standards for themselves, and then support them
while they achieve their goals. If I am to instill confidence in my students, I must form
meaningful relationships with them, and determine where their strengths lie. As
thoughtful decision makers, I want my students to understand that seemingly
complicated problems should not intimidate them: they can break every problem into
easier, more manageable chunks. Solving problems takes perseverance.
Taking an interest in a students talents, extra-curricular activities, and home life
fosters a relationship of empathy and respect. I have certainly never felt motivated to
listen to a teacher who shows little or no interest in my goals and aspirations. It seems
quite obvious, but it is easy for a teacher to get overwhelmed and distracted from
getting to know his students by focusing on the quantity of what needs to be taught to
satisfy the school district, not to mention state and national standards and their
requirements. Too much attention and stress over such issues can blind me to the
reasons I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. One of those reasons is I love kids! I
will inevitably go through rough patches with students whose sole motivation is to
frustrate me. However, it is my job not only to reciprocate the kindness and respect of
happy learners, but also to persevere and dare to care about the hard-to-love student in
my classroom.

Beginning on the first day of school (or earlier), I will aim to establish a safe,
caring, and non-judgmental environment for my students. I do not expect my students
to get excited about something simply because they have a classmate who is passionate
about the topic. However, I will require my students to practice open-mindedness with
regard to their peers. Disagreement is always welcome, but insults are not. A safe
learning environment encourages children to take risks and embrace failure. A failure is
an opportunity to try again, and learn more in the process.
Although my relationships with my students are extremely important, amicable
relationships with administrators and other staff members are also vital to my success as
a teacher. Disciplinary support from my principal gives me the option of removing a
student from my class when he repeatedly refuses to follow my expectations of being
respectful to me and his classmates. The misbehavior of a student becomes a negative
issue when his words or actions are preventing other classroom community members
from learning. In my student teaching experiences I have worked with principals and
associate principals who have partnered with their staff to strive to provide as many
positive learning opportunities to our students as possible. I pray that this is always the
case in my future teaching experiences.
Supportive and empathetic relationships with other teachers are also very
valuable. I am usually able to compromise and work past differences of opinion or
teaching philosophy that I have with fellow staff members. Displaying a humble and
helpful attitude makes my colleagues aware that I am a team player who wants them to
be successful for the sake of our students.
Another important element of educating children in the 21st century is to embrace
advancements in technology. Most students are fascinated by what new technology can
do for them, as am I. The more I hear about it, the more I believe in the SAMR model of
using technology in the classroom. I am not against using technology as a substitute or

augmentation, but I will continually seek ways to redefine the medium and methodology
that my students use to present their knowledge.
In my efforts to educate the whole 21st-century child, I will show each of my
students that I care about who they are, where they have come from, and where they
will go in their lives. My goal to maintain honest and professional relationships with my
colleagues and superiors also has the welfare of my students at it heart. As I encourage
my students to remain open-minded as members of our classroom community, I must
also remind myself that my open mind is a vital piece of being an outstanding educator.
It is my open mind that will allow my teaching philosophy change and develop over time.