My Teaching Philosophy
My life plan did not include teaching. But, I realized I had to make a change when I met an amazing student. We formed a connection of mutual trust that showed me I could make an impact on someone’s life, and I was hooked.
Teaching found me and I intend to make meaningful connections with each student that walks through the doors of my classroom. As well as a teacher I want to be seen as a cheerleader and mentor. I strive to have my students see all that they are capable of accomplishing. And, if I have to be over the top in my praise of their effort, then so be it. I want to be a mentor, someone who instructs them like the way the tide pulls: they can’t help but lean in for more. My students should feel safe with me as their teacher, someone with which to share their troubles and someone to work in tandem with to seek solutions.
The atmosphere of my classroom is vital to my instruction. A teacher is the leader of the classroom and as such I feel responsible to let my students know they are not only cared for but loved. Students should feel safe with me as well as with their peers. My room is a place where problems turn to solutions and where fears can be conquered. As a team of learners we will keep moving forward.
I want to see every student grow and excel as they learn. Successful learning in my classroom takes on many forms because I have a wide diversity of students. I want them to be self-aware, to be able to identify the source of a problem and appropriately resolve the issue. I want my students to be inquisitive and ask why and how the world works. My students should make real world connections with what they’ve learned in the classroom. My end goal is to see academic, social, and emotional growth in my students.
I use differentiation as the foundation of my classroom. No two people are exactly the same so no two people learn the same way, teaching should not be a one-size-fits-all situation. Student interest and learning style fuel my planning. Learning should be interactive and relevant for all students. As each student enters my room from a different level of understanding, assessment follows suit. Student’s progress is my main focus in measuring mastery.
I grow as a teacher every time I meet a new student. Their unique perspective and distinctive personalities shape the tone of my classroom. My wish for each of my students is that when they leave my classroom they do so with capabilities that will aid them for years to come.