Teaching+Philosophy

As a teacher I hope to make a connection with my students. To understand their needs and learning abilities so I can provide instruction that engages them and create a learning environment that works for everyone.

In the process of teaching the required curriculum outcomes I also intend to teach my students the importance of thinking critically and being prepared to think for themselves. It is important that students analyze and evaluate the information they encounter, and actively express themselves and communicate in society. Technology has become a dominant player in society and the way we communicate. In order to actively participate in this society and communicate with others students need to understand this medium. Technology also allows for an environment of increased interactive learning. I want students to be able to take charge of their own learning and to embrace new ways to learn.

I am very enthusiastic about the content and I try to put as much as that enthusiasm into the lesson as I can and relate personal experiences to the students. While it is important for the student to teach and the student to learn, I believe in an environment where students and teachers can also learn from one another. When all members of the classroom can share the enthusiasm of the content, the learning environment becomes even more positive.

Effective teachers not only focus on teaching the curriculum outcomes, but also on learning with and from their students in order to better understand their students and how they have to adapt their teaching to meet diversity of needs and learning abilities. They maintain a balance between showing students they care for them and while also being consistent with rules and procedures. Effective teachers have patience for, accept and accommodate a variety of learning styles; all students need to be included in the classroom and have their voice recognized and heard. Effective teachers are devoted life-long learners. They continuously develop new teaching strategies from their experiences and by collaborating with colleagues. They fulfill their job on a 24-7 basis to ensure that lessons are well planned and inclusive and they uphold the professional standards expected of the profession. An effective teacher makes room for flexibility in their lesson plan and manages to allow students to direct the conversation while being able to refocus the lesson as well. They establish a positive student-teacher and teacher-teacher rapport and environment based on communication, consistency, clarity, confidence and respect.