My Teaching Philosophy
Above all else, my job as teacher is to foster learning. I believe that every student can learn and therefore become successful. I realize that children learn at different speeds and through different styles (KSA#5); it is the instructor’s responsibility to harness that learning by providing different methods of (KSA#9). Additionally, it is important for the educator to evaluate the students in appropriate ways to fairly determine the student’s knowledge (KSA#11). Like the quote below, I feel that every child is unique and possesses different attributes that make him or her special; it is my job to find those attributes, to encourage them, and to challenge them. Some students may need extra encouragement and I feel that modifying a lesson to suit everyone’s needs is critical.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
I feel that the classroom should be a safe, stress free and welcoming environment, which will then be conducive to learning (KSA#7). I believe in creating an atmosphere in which the students feel comfortable to discuss their feelings and not intimidated to ask questions (KSA#8). I will provide this atmosphere to ensure students feel safe physically, emotionally and academically. My goal in creating this environment is to first build relationships with all my students. I feel that knowing a child’s life beyond
the school walls can help create a positive learning environment; in addition, it and can help focus my lessons on the student interests and experiences to promote engagement. I also want to communicate and build a relationship with the parents and guardians of my students (KSA#13). I believe that if the student’s home life is integrated and in the classroom, school will feel more like home. Additionally, it is important to keep parents updated about student progress to prevent any surprises from both parties.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William Arthur Ward
My goal as a teacher is to not only teach the curriculum, but to also teach life-long lessons such as: social skills, teamwork, respect, dedication, integrity, loyalty and responsiblity. I feel that the best way to“teach” these skills is to model them. I also want to teach and model my belief in life-long learning and inspire my students to continue with their education (KSA#15). I feel that the best way to accomplish this is to be passionate and open-minded. If a topic is taught with excitement, creativity and innovativeness, the students will be more interested and more likely to want to learn more.
“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” -John Cotton Dana
I believe that every student should have an equal opportunity to acquire knowledge and become successful. Every child needs the same support, love and dedication to thrive as individuals. I feel that the differences between people give educators an opportunity to teach students acceptance and equality through demonstration of their own actions. I pledge to treat every student, colleague, and parents with dignity and respect (KSA#7, 8).
“A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image.” -Author Unknown
Throughout my career, I envision myself as a teacher who is very involved, friendly, patient, creative, empathetic, fair, organized, prepared, flexible and dedicated. I will promote excellence, innovativeness, leadership and individuality in my students. I believe in taking advice from others and using their criticisms to improve myself. As a teacher, my ultimate goal is to improve the lives of children; I want to give them the confidence and skills to become successful in anything they chose to do in the future.
“What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” -Karl Menninger
Kira Goodrich