HomeTeaching Philosophy
I want to highlight what I believe to be the factors that create a strong foundation of an effective teacher.
- Classroom Environment. The environment in the classroom sets the stage for learning. I believe classroom management is the single most important factor because it creates a positive learning environment and provides the student with security and consistency. Without classroom management, it is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish anything else. It is my desire to be proactive instead of reactive, and by implementing procedures and routines, I am showing students what is expected of them and giving them the opportunity and plan to be successful. One of my goals is to create a climate of acceptance. I want students to see mistakes and incorrect answers as learning opportunities and not failures; therefore, increasing their confidence to take risks and participate in classroom discussions.
- Differentiated Instruction. Not all children learn in the same way; therefore, teachers must provide instruction that supports the learning personalities of all students. Students should take a learning styles inventory to find how they best learn, and these results should be utilized by including students’ different learning styles into the lessons. Pre-testing students is a tool for differentiating instruction because the teacher can take these results and create small groups based on individual needs. Formative assessment in multiple formats can also be used to group and re-group students; this grouping and re-grouping will ensure continuous progress for all students. All students should feel successful at their level of learning and show continuous growth; therefore, instruction should be geared to provide these two factors.
- Teach them to Think (Metacognition). I see myself as a facilitator of learning and project this in my teaching by teaching a variety of strategies, developing the student’s ability to problem solve, and showing them how to gather the information they need rather than simply giving the student the answer. Higher order thinking is implemented by encouraging the student to constantly ask why and how. I promote the students ability to problem solve by asking “Good Questions” that are open-ended and have more than one answer.
- Engaged, Active Learners. Learning should be full of hands-on, mind-on activities that involve real world situations. I strongly believe that students gain more from an experience if they are active and not passive in the learning process. In order for them to be active, teachers must provide the students with opportunities to manipulate, create, and search. I strive to provide my students with discovery formatted lessons, activities that require them to be involved, classroom discussions, think-pair-share, and cooperative learning groups.
- Diagnostic and Reflective Teacher: In order to provide the students with opportunities to make continuous growth, assessment and the curriculum drives my instruction. I use formative assessment to monitor students’ progress and instruction is based on the needs of the students. I am constantly reflecting on how the instruction went and looking for a way to do it better. Material can either be covered or it can be taught. I have an intrinsic satisfaction from seeing my students really grasp and understand the concepts being taught, and I know that it is my responsibility to ensure that they are successful. Reflection and self-evaluation is the key to making sure that I am teaching and not just covering.
- Research-Based Practices: Teachers are in a world of constant learning, but some choose to become stagnant in their field and simply survive (taken from Harry Wong). I do not want to just survive. I want to be a master teacher and impact students’ lives (Harry Wong). I believe that professional developments, workshops, professional journals, and professional literature are the keys to staying current and successful in the teaching profession.