Teaching+Philosophy

== As a teacher, my main goals are to develop my students = natural curiosity about the world and to give them the encouragement and support they need to live a happy and productive life. I want my students to feel that they can achieve success in anything they do, and that I am here to help them. Teaching is challenging, yet very rewarding. I enjoy interacting with children and hearing their opinions and ideas. I love learning new things and want to share my love of learning with my students. I want to make a difference in their lives and I am sure they will make a difference in mine. ==

== In the classroom is where I believe I can make the most difference, and although I would like to further my education (ie. workshops, observations, etc.), I have no plans of moving into administration. My place is in the classroom, teaching. My classroom will be a combination of learning environments, but my preferred method of teaching is Universal Design for Learning. I believe in teaching using multiple modalities and focusing on each student’s individual learning styles. Building on my students’ thoughts and ideas, as well a showing that what they are learning is relevant to //their// lives, will make my classroom interesting and enjoyable. I plan to have “hands-on” activities. I feel that this type of environment is beneficial to the students because it is very interactive and supportive, and I believe that we learn best by “doing”. ==

== If children are in a supportive and interesting environment, they can’t help but learn. Learning takes many forms; it is not just about books and tests. It is about becoming an informed, active, and valuable part of society. It is about being able to think critically, problem-solve, and express your thoughts. I will not simply stand at the front of the room and lecture; I will engage my students in their learning. I will get to know my students as individuals, learn what their interests are, and incorporate those interests into my lessons. I believe that this will keep my students engaged in the lessons and enable my students to see the relevance of what they are learning. ==

== I also believe in A reciprocal @ learning. My students can learn from me and I can also learn from them. I plan to have class discussions on current events, history, science, music, art, and the literature we are reading in class. I will also have discussions in class about what the students are reading //outside// the classroom. I plan to have my students explain to the class //how// they solved a math problem or how they //think// a math problem could be solved. This will give my students an opportunity to see other students = problem-solving ideas, which in turn will help them discover new ways to solve problems on their own. ==

== Reciprocal learning also takes place in terms of “inclusion”. I have worked as an instructional aide for special education in inclusive settings for many years and would welcome //any// student into my classroom. I feel that inclusive education is not only beneficial to the child who is included, but it is a positive learning experience for the rest of the students in the class as well. The inclusive setting helps children to learn about differences, compassion, and empathy by interacting with children of //all// abilities. ==

== My classroom will consist of a supportive and motivating environment. I will take a sincere interest in my students; not just in their education, but in their //lives//. I will let them know that they can come to me with any problems they have, and I will try my best to help them. ==

== The main thing I want my students to leave my classroom with is a sense of curiosity, self-confidence, belonging, and purpose. I want all of my students to know that no matter what “label” they’ve been give, obstacles they must face, or what past experiences they’ve had, they can be successful and I am here to help them to do just that. ==