Tiffany Richardson

EDE 3940
September 11, 2014

My Philosophy of Teaching

Everyone is entitled to an education. It is intended that all students be educated and given
equal opportunities to succeed in life. As a pre-service teacher, I believe that a child is a unique
individual that deserves a safe haven; a place that offers a stimulating environment where their
educational experiences are supported and nourished for the best possibility of growth.
This is the exact kind of environment that I plan/ want to generate for my students - an
environment where a child feels safe, has a positive and honest atmosphere, and can freely be
his/herself which allows him/her to academically thrive. Some of the ways that I plan to
formulate a safe environment is by practicing good citizenship with students and teaching them
the importance of being respectful towards others. An environment will be created where every
child would feel free to voice their opinions and be heard, rather than a child going unnoticed.
Everything taught in school will someday benefit the child whether he holds a job in that
field, or has a real life problem that can be solved by using what he learned in school. I believe
that children learn best when they are taught under certain conditions and in different ways. No
child learns the same; therefore I strongly believe that all children can learn once the lesson
caters to their learning style. As a future teacher, I would like to provide a class environment that
caters to the different multiple intelligences and learning styles in my classroom.
I plan to accommodate all my students learning needs not only by teaching and lecturing,
but by hands-on activities, group activities, presentations, and use of technology. I believe that
the use of technology is prevalent in todays society. Therefore, I will implement the use of
technologies in my lessons, through power points, videos, etc. We will cater to the different
learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic) and allow personal invention and
discovery. Many children learn by doing, so the child has a better understanding of what is being
taught. Another way that children may learn best is by working with other children, which allows
them to help and learn from one another.
Assessments are important. I will have standardized tests in my class. However, I believe
standardized test limits the fun and enjoyment of learning. Many students have test anxiety and
are bad test takers. For students as such, I will have projects, presentations, oral exams, etc. as
other forms of assessments.
In conclusion, as I am still on my journey of becoming an educator, I will be exposed to
different theories and philosophies of education and thus my philosophy of teaching is subject to
change. However, one thing that may not change is my belief in children being our future, my
drive to ensure that I can impact every child that comes into my life and my passion to help them
become well educated and productive citizens of our society.