Teaching Philosophy

Education has been a guiding force in my life for as long as I can remember.
While many factors have changed over the course of my life, my love of
learning has remained a constant. As a child, learning gave me a sense of
empowerment and independence. As an adult, I am drawn to the immense
power education has. Just as Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the
most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” My goal as
an educator is to foster a life-long love of learning in every child I teach,
because I know they will go on to change the world.
I believe the most important factor of an effective education is a positive
learning environment. Every teacher has the ability to transform their
classroom into a safe atmosphere where children are not afraid to ask
questions, take risks, and just be themselves. My classroom will not only accept
diversity but celebrate it!
As a recent graduate and entry-level teacher, I am in a unique position. Just a
few weeks ago I was on the other side of the classroom. My recent
experience as a student allows me to connect with my own students in an
authentic way. I know the importance of creating and maintaining student-
teacher relationships and the impact that this connection can have on a
student’s experience in my classroom. The amount of effort I put into these
relationships can define my students’ outlook on education.
The greatest benefit of a strong student-teacher relationship is the insight it
provides. There is no doubt in my mind that every child has the ability to learn.
I am a strong believer in differentiating instruction to meet every students’
needs. In order to do so, I must be familiar with my students’ readiness,
interests, and learning profiles. During my student teaching placements, I
formatively assessed students, conducted surveys, and organized one-on-one
“chat” times to get to know my students and their abilities. The information I
gathered allowed me to differentiate my instruction, materials, and
assessments in a way that engaged all of my students.
To keep students engaged is just as challenging as gaining their attention in
the first place. Research shows that one of the best ways to maintain student
involvement is through positive reinforcement. However, I will not reward
students for their skills, because that does not celebrate the diversity in my
classroom. Rather, I will reward and celebrate growth. Every student can
grow, no matter their academic aptitude.