My Teaching Philosophy
Second-long moments are sometimes the most significant memories to a teacher; when eyes glitter during an engaging lesson or smiles light up the room while shiny stickers on a science test stare back at them. Or when a high-five smacks through the air after students complete a challenging partner activity. Simple, everyday occurrences such as these continue to feed my passion for teaching. The brilliant writer, David McCullough, said it best; “Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.” Since I am fortunate enough to enjoy learning and have discovered many of my talents, it excites me to help my students on their journey to do the same.
I have found that one of the most critical ways to motivate students’ learning is by establishing a strong learning community. Important components of an effective classroom environment include a welcoming atmosphere, collaborative learning, predicable routines, celebrating accomplishments, embracing individual differences, and promoting character building. The combination of these elements allows students to feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.
Constant progression is one of the traits that lured me to the education field. The influence of this traditional, yet ever-changing career brings the true complexity forward. Of course it’s challenging; but I live for challenges. I test myself everyday, just like I push my students to work harder and not accept anything less than their best effort. There’s always room for improvement.
Welcoming at- bulletin boards, decoration
Collaborative learning- group discussions, partner/group
projects
Predictable routines- structure with time, behavior
expectations, and consistent rules
Celebrating accomplishments- hanging up good work,
students applauding for each other
Embracing individual diff- sharing culture, displaying
talents
Character building- bully lessons through reading,
personal responsibility
In my classroom, I strive to incorporate differentiation
in both instruction and assessment.
-importance of differentiation
*appealing to different learning styles (visual,
auditory, hands-on) *instruction
*appealing to different ability levels *instruction and
assessment
*provide appropriate challenges for all students
*instruction and assessment
*teach the way your students learn
*instruction
*relevant, meaningful connections *instruction and
assessment
*mini-conferences with tailored responses
*assessment
*wide-range of assessments (journals, student
self-assessment) along with quizzes, tests
-importance of classroom management
*consistency
*fairness
*balance
*demonstrate ways to show that you care
*little surprises and rewards when students improve or do
something noteworthy
Constant progression is one of
the traits that lured me to the education field. The influence of this
traditional, yet ever-changing career brings the true complexity forward.
Of course it’s challenging; but I live for challenges. I
test myself everyday, just like I push my students to work harder and not
accept anything less than their best effort. There’s always room for
improvement.