Philosophy of Education

Robert John Meehan once said, If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you

without hesitation: I was born to be a teacher. I know that I came into this world to be a mathematics

teacher. I believe that every child has the ability to learn and become a beneficial member of his or her

society. I will commit my time and energy to teach, challenge, motivate, and inspire students to do

their best while pursuing their personal interests. Students will combine the motivation they receive

with the motivation they possess to be successful in their endeavors. As an educator, I will focus on six

major themes to implement in my classroom; understanding students and their needs, providing a

positive learning environment for students, executing effective classroom management techniques,

having knowledge of 21st century curriculum and instruction, utilizing 21st century technology tools,

and engaging parents in the learning process.

My first task is to get to know my students and understand their needs. Students are a diverse

group of young people, and each child is unique in their abilities and developmental needs. There are

many different supports that I may encounter in my classroom, such as gifted, learning, life skills,

physical, emotional, autistic, blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, speech and

language impaired, and multiple disabilities. These students have Individualized Education Programs

(IEP) and Gifted Individualized Education Programs (GIEP) that I will read and follow in my

classroom. Since many school districts are pushing for fully inclusive classrooms, it will be my job to

be able to modify and adapt to students needs. Some modifications and adaptations I have

implemented in classrooms thus far are preferential seating, alternate setting for tests and quizzes,

modified tests with less choices, highlighted words, fill-in-the-blanks, additional time for assignments

and/or tests, Spanish translations, and Assistive Technologies (AT). Not only will I need to understand

student needs, I will need to create a positive learning environment.

A positive and appropriate learning environment is needed in my classroom to help create

respectful interactions among peers and the teacher, engage my students, and promote confidence.

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Since there are many opportunities to participate in math class, students must learn to grow, try new

things, and feel confident to speak in front of their peers. Therefore, students must respect each others

comments, opinions, and answers. To engage my students, I start classes with a hook to grab their

attention, use questioning throughout the lesson, and relate lessons to real life and student interests.

Using questioning promotes higher order thinking, which allows students to think, analyze, and explain

their answers. In a positive learning environment, differentiated instruction is essential. The teaching

strategies that I have used for different learning types are direct teaching, class discussions, cooperative

group work, partner work, one-on-one instruction, and individual work. In addition, having an uplifting

and enthusiastic attitude as a teacher will transfer to my students. I encourage my students to ask

questions, participate in class, and try their hardest everyday. When this happens, I offer positive

feedback and praise so that students will continue this good behavior. Other things such as bright

colors, posters, bulletin boards, and stickers add positivity to the learning environment. A conducive

learning environment promotes positive energy and thinking for students, which also makes classroom

management easier.

As a mathematics teacher, I not only have to be knowledgeable in math and be able to

implement teaching strategies, but I must also be able to manage my students. Half of teaching is

developing effective classroom management techniques. Any teacher can know their content area, but

great teachers are able to teach, monitor, and supervise students all at once while still maintaining

control of the classroom. To have good classroom management, one needs to establish classroom rules

and procedures on the first day of classes. It is also important to review the school rules with students

and to follow all behavior plans students may have. Some basic techniques I use to discontinue minor

misbehaviors such as tapping a pencil, disrupting others, or talking while the teacher is talking would

be using eye contact and proximity or moving seats. These simple gestures are three effective practices

that will show my disapproval and stop the students misbehavior. If these methods do not work, I

quietly mention to the student that I would like to discuss the misbehavior with him or her after class.

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Depending on the school rules, more serious situations can be disciplined by sending the student to the

guidance counselor or principal. Applying my classroom management philosophies, techniques, and

skills will create a firm but respectful environment and promote student engagement and learning in

my classroom.

Next, the 21st century is full of technology that I can use to enhance student learning and

motivation. I must be knowledgeable of 21st century curriculum and instruction and be able to

incorporate 21st century technology tools in and out of my classroom. Applying 21st century instruction

in the classroom is flexible, creative, challenging, and complex. It addresses a rapidly changing world

with an increase in technological advancements and learning. The 21st century curriculum includes

critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, adaptability, initiative, entrepreneurialism, oral

and written communication, and accessing and analyzing information. As a mathematics teacher, I

follow PA Core Standards, but I must also teach students to use that content knowledge and 21st

century tools to think, apply, analyze, communicate, and solve problems. At the end of class, I often

require students to apply what they learned in the lesson by completing a Ticket Out The Door,

which involves explaining how they solved a math problem rather than just finding an answer.

Furthermore, I have used many technology tools in the classroom including laptops, iPads, Promethean

and Smart Boards, document cameras, scientific calculators, Chromebooks, Google Classroom,

curriculum programs like Math XL, Pearson, and Digits, and student email. I am able to upload

assignments and communicate with students via Google Classroom, and students can also contact me

at any time through email. The curriculum and learning of the 21st century connects with the world

beyond the classroom and creates an authentic learning experience aligned to the content standards.

Many students have asked me, When will I ever use math in real life? When I am asked this question,

I make an authentic connection to the real world. A lesson I have taught that related mathematics to

real life was finding the surface area of objects such as furniture, boxes, walls, and floors, which is

something students need to paint a house someday, wrap presents, or lay carpeting. Because

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technology is ever changing, it is important for educators to stay well informed of the current tools to

promote student achievement.

Lastly, engaging parents in the learning process keeps teachers, students, and families up to

date with current school news and the strengths and weaknesses of their child or children. I must

partner with parents to encourage hard work in and out of the classroom. There are many opportunities

I offer for parent involvement in the learning process. First, open house is offered by all school

districts where parents and families can visit the school to meet their teachers. Also, on the first day of

school, I send home a Welcome Letter to students and parents introducing myself, class rules, class

materials, a grading scale, and class information. This letter must be signed and returned so that I know

parents read the letter. In addition, I am always available to communicate through the school telephone

before and after school. Email is another convenient communication tool that I check daily. Finally, I

use the parent accessible grading system provided by the school district to post grades on a weekly

basis. Parents, guardians, and families are role models for their students, so they play a large role in

promoting education in their childs life. That is why teachers like myself must communicate with

parents and involve them in the learning process.

In conclusion, it will be my job as a 21st century educator to not only be knowledgeable but

also to be able to break down, apply, and successfully communicate my knowledge and passion for

learning. By understanding students and their needs, providing a positive learning environment for

students, implementing effective classroom management techniques, utilizing 21st century instruction,

incorporating technology tools, and including parents in the learning process, I will be able to create a

positive, engaging, and memorable educational experience for my students. Teaching is a challenging

profession, but it is also an extremely rewarding one. In his book, The Teachers Journey/The Road

Less Traveled, Meehan explains, Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning, and

that is exactly what I plan to do.