Teaching Philosophy
My job as a teacher is to guide, inspire and encourage the children who
enter my classroom.
Children in school are impressionable and my responsibility is to be a
positive role model. Plato referred to this in his Republic by
stating, “You know that the beginning is the most important part of any
work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the
time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression is
more readily taken....”
Every child is an individual with individual strengths, special qualities
and needs. As a teacher I must be open to recognize and build on their
differences.
A teacher sets the tone of the classroom; from the way she or he greets
and interacts with the child and parent to the way safety issues are
presented.
The best learning is done in a classroom that is comfortable and safe as
well as challenging. The classroom should provide variety in learning
centers, desk arrangement and groupings as well as presenting a variety in
course material.
Children should be given choices in direction of course content, area of
expression and goals. They should participate in establishing rules and
consequences for breaking those rules.
The only way a child will learn to be responsible is to present
challenging opportunities. The children have a role in the classroom
dynamics also. He or she is responsible for the work assigned during
class, personal actions in the school setting, and showing courtesy to
others.
Teaching is a very rewarding job which takes working with the students,
parents and faculty. My acceptance of these roles and responsibilities is
one I take on with an open thoughtful mind and great enthusiasm.