Philosophy of Teaching

Students do not enter my classroom having had the same life opportunities. Some have been fortunate enough to have had many experiences overflowing from their “life” book bag. Others have not been afforded those same opportunities. It is my job as their classroom teacher to make sure their classroom experiences are rich and full. I listen to and observe students, to develop a plan on how to approach the different learning experiences that are in store for the students. Developing lessons that offer opportunities for all students to succeed is a challenge to the classroom teacher. Students that come to me will have many challenges ranging from behavioral problems to learning problems. My lesson plans are very fluid in order to tailor the make up of each particular group of students. I believe students should be treated with respect. Students respond positively to adults who treat them respectfully. They also develop an understanding that an adult who treats them with respect always has their best interest at heart and therefore they respond to that by treating others with the same respect. I believe a respectful classroom is crucial to a classroom where learning is taking place. There, I believe, every student will learn. (Core Prop. 1)

As an elementary teacher I believe students should be offered many learning opportunities. I as a teacher should not always be the one in the classroom who holds the answers to all the problems. Students are capable and will learn more if given the opportunity to pose questions and find the answers themselves. “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime” It is my responsibility as a teacher to make sure students hold the ability and the desire to become life long learners. (Core prop. 1)

I believe that plans are important because through those efforts, objectives for student learning are developed. As I reflect on each individual’s performance and assess their learning I take into consideration the objectives that I had developed for that lesson. Without objectives assessment and evaluation of learning cannot take place. (Core prop.3)

I must make wise use of my time with students. Our time together is predetermined by the school calendar. In order to meet the state objectives and to make sure students receive rich experiences, I must determine what will benefit the students the most. Constant evaluation of material is critical because of time limitations. Some students will need an unforeseen extra week of instruction on a given skill. I must make adjustments in my plans in order to assure my students have the fundamentals they need in order to be successful later. (Core prop. 4)

It is through my belief that each child is due respect and the expectation that learning will take place in my classroom that students of all backgrounds flourish. I take great delight in reminiscing about the students I greeted on the first day of school as I tearfully hug them on the last day.