My Teaching Philosophy (click above for a document)
I believe that all students are fully capable of learning, as long as they have an effective teacher. Many people have studied children and their developmental and learning styles, including Vygotsky, Gardner, Piaget, and Dewey. Like everything in this world, things change, including the way children learn. It is essential for teachers to stay ‘lifelong learners’ and teach the children how to do the same.
I believe that every child is unique and must be recognized for their personality, background, and learning style. Each student has the ability to contribute something positive to the class, and to let others learn from him/her. It is up to me to get them to realize their full potential. I will continue to believe that every child is capable, and help them to believe in themselves as well as their classmates. This will also help develop a sense of respect, and the ability to accept each other for their uniqueness.
I believe in providing the tools for students to learn, but I am not their sole source of information. It is essential they learn how to find the answers to their questions, and where they can look. Problems solving techniques are something that students can use not just in the classroom, but everywhere, for the rest of their lives. When I show children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am giving them tools to become successful in life, and to believe in themselves.
I believe in order to carry out this ideal learning environment, it is essential that I reach all students with this philosophy, so that they will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I will always do my best to use lessons that involve the interests of the children and that make learning applicable to life in general. I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children more active learners, and eager to participate.
I believe being a teacher is not just a job, but also a way of life. I must always continue the lifelong learning about new philosophies and strategies, as well as learning from the parents and community, from colleagues, and always, and perhaps most importantly, learning from the children.
I believe that every child is unique and must be recognized for their personality, background, and learning style. Each student has the ability to contribute something positive to the class, and to let others learn from him/her. It is up to me to get them to realize their full potential. I will continue to believe that every child is capable, and help them to believe in themselves as well as their classmates. This will also help develop a sense of respect, and the ability to accept each other for their uniqueness.
I believe in providing the tools for students to learn, but I am not their sole source of information. It is essential they learn how to find the answers to their questions, and where they can look. Problems solving techniques are something that students can use not just in the classroom, but everywhere, for the rest of their lives. When I show children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am giving them tools to become successful in life, and to believe in themselves.
I believe in order to carry out this ideal learning environment, it is essential that I reach all students with this philosophy, so that they will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I will always do my best to use lessons that involve the interests of the children and that make learning applicable to life in general. I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children more active learners, and eager to participate.
I believe being a teacher is not just a job, but also a way of life. I must always continue the lifelong learning about new philosophies and strategies, as well as learning from the parents and community, from colleagues, and always, and perhaps most importantly, learning from the children.
