Katie Bambrick

Teaching Philosophy Statement

The world of elementary education is a dream for me. However, I did not always realize

this. When I graduated from high school I started working at a local school daycare called Kids

Korner. I loved the time I got to work with these kids and seeing them grow. I soon took the

paraprofessional test and began working as a special education paraprofessional. I loved what I

did, but the money was not the greatest and summers were difficult without pay. I tried a few

things over the last twelve years, but it never failed I missed working with the students. I figured

out this was my calling in the fall of 2015 and then pursued my dream. The program that I

received my teaching degree from had a high focus on STEM learning. I was very excited

because this form of teaching is exactly what I needed as a student and I find it so inspiring. The

world of education is ever changing and growing in the areas of science, technology, engineering

and mathematics. I think students are gaining a great benefit from STEM programs and are

being set up for success in their futures.

I did not have a lot of experience in STEM learning environments as a learner, so I took a

lot of pride learning about it in my college education. I struggled in school with math and only

had general science through high school. From what I have learned, I believe that it is an

amazing way to excite children and allow them to be active in their education. If I would have

had this program when I was younger I feel that I would have learned more in school and could

have been more successful. All students learn differently and at different paces, STEM learning

adapts to all different styles and it incorporates all different curriculum. STEM allows for the
students to read and research, write and analyze, along with focusing on the science, technology,

engineering and mathematics. I think that there is too much emphasis on different subjects and

not enough showing our students how it is all interrelated. If we let our students see why we do

things or why we teach something they are often more interested in doing it. Many schools are

switching to this technique of teaching and I want to work in a school that does.

My content knowledge in this field is still growing, but I think that is our job as

educators. We never know everything, we too are always learning and need to be adaptive in

everything that we do. Technology is something that I have had to teach myself, but I am

learning more about it as I work in the classroom. I want to work in an environment that

embraces technology and allows me the opportunity to learn more. I want to work in a place that

also embraces teamwork and community, so that we can learn together and build strong bonds. I

feel that this is important to help our students achieve all that they deserve. I feel that the bond

of teamwork and a strong community of educators and learners begins with the principal. I think

that having a relationship that is both professional and open is extremely important, so that issues

and ideas can be easily addressed.

My experiences within the school systems and my educational background have greatly

increased my pedagogical knowledge. I feel that this is an area that I will always need to

continue to grow in. I want to work in a school or district that values theories and offers staff

development to continue to broaden our horizons as educators. I know that there are different

developmental stages that effect learning and that these stages correlate with how we teach at

different levels. We build on concepts or principles. These common concepts or principals need

to be mastered before moving on to new ones, so that we do not loose children along the way.

There are many tools for teachers to use such as manipulatives, models, technology applications,
etc. that can assist in the success of our students. We as educators, need to know our students, so

that we can also get the assistance that our students may need outside of our classroom. I am

greatly interested in learning more throughout my time in education.

My role as a teacher will be to support optimal learning for my students while creating an

interactive learning environment. I want to make sure that I have movement breaks throughout

the day between lessons. This will allow students brains to reboot and get their body wiggles out.

I want to use technology to create an interactive classroom for parents, so they feel involved in

their childs learning. I will use models and manipulatives to be a hands on teacher. I will create a

place where students can feel safe and while being challenged. I will take time to learn new

techniques, so that I am always the best I can be for my students. I want to learn different ways

to teach and use them, so my students have a better chance of understanding. I will encourage

my students to try their hardest and to learn something in everything that they do. I will be a role

model for my students while being understanding and adapting to each their different needs and

stages that they may be experiencing.