Philosophy of Education
My whole life, all I’ve ever wanted to be is a Teacher. It has been the only career path that has made sense to me, and the passion I have for it is undying. I want to be the teacher that is able to prepare students to take any path that they choose to take after they finish with school; whether it may be college, the workforce, or military. I also want to equip my students to be active and informed citizens.
Just like the paths they will choose to take and the opinions they will form, our students are diverse. It’s essential to recognize this diversity and address it in the classroom. Students all have different learning styles and viewpoints; it is best to teach in a way that is effective for each. I create my lesson plans to incorporate different forms of media in the classroom to help all types of learners. For example, in the past when teaching about the Declaration of Independence, I have used a lesson that integrates a music video, an activity to write our own Declarations, and a class discussion about whether or not we would accept the Declaration if we were King George III. What is most important to me is providing an environment where my students can learn in the way that works best for them. In my classroom, I plan to follow a method that entails differentiated instruction in order to meet all the needs of all of my students.
I always ask myself, “How can I take this lesson outside the classroom?” and “How can I get the students up and out of their seats?” In my opinion it’s best to get the students up and moving. I also enjoy incorporating current events and real life experiences into lesson plans. Using these examples gives students connections to modern day news and transfers ideas in order for students to get a deeper understanding of the material we are learning. I want my students to be able to discuss what’s going on in the world around them so that they can be aware and form their own opinions.
In my classroom I will incorporate both formal and informal assessments. I want to be able to track my students’ progress and ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge they need to move on the next level or path they plan to take. I enjoy using informal assessments because they give a great indication of student progress and allow the teacher to monitor and adjust lessons for the benefit of student learning. One form of informal assessment I often use entails the students putting their heads down and taking votes of what is the correct answer to a question I state out loud. This ensures that students do not follow the pack and vote one way because the rest of the class does. With this method I can gauge who is struggling with the material and who needs extra help. When using formal assessments, I would prefer to use methods other than tests because tests often cause anxiety. There are other forms of formal assessment such as papers and projects that can be accurate assessments of student growth while causing less student anxiety.
As previously stated I believe that my duty is to create a classroom environment where my students learning styles are addressed. That’s why I take feedback very seriously. I want to make sure my students are learning and the best way to do that is monitor my students and their progress. I will adjust my teaching in order to ensure that my students have all that they need to succeed. That also includes feedback from administrators and observers. In my past field experiences and student teaching, I have reflected on my own teaching skills and also have read through the feedback I have received in order to grow in my teaching skills and adjust my methods of teaching. I’m always open to feedback. At the end of the day, all I want to do is be a great teacher; any advice, feedback, or constructive criticism I receive can only help me grow.
In the Education Field there is always more to learn, whether it be teaching styles, current events, workshops or strategies. I am willing and ready to learn, considering it is one of the things I value most. I want to prove to my students that I’m a lifelong learner. If I do not know the answer, my class and I will find the answer together. I want my students to know that even I’m not done learning, and I never will be!
Overall, all I want is to be the best teacher that I can be. I want my students to know that I care and will do everything I can to help them in their educational journey.
Just like the paths they will choose to take and the opinions they will form, our students are diverse. It’s essential to recognize this diversity and address it in the classroom. Students all have different learning styles and viewpoints; it is best to teach in a way that is effective for each. I create my lesson plans to incorporate different forms of media in the classroom to help all types of learners. For example, in the past when teaching about the Declaration of Independence, I have used a lesson that integrates a music video, an activity to write our own Declarations, and a class discussion about whether or not we would accept the Declaration if we were King George III. What is most important to me is providing an environment where my students can learn in the way that works best for them. In my classroom, I plan to follow a method that entails differentiated instruction in order to meet all the needs of all of my students.
I always ask myself, “How can I take this lesson outside the classroom?” and “How can I get the students up and out of their seats?” In my opinion it’s best to get the students up and moving. I also enjoy incorporating current events and real life experiences into lesson plans. Using these examples gives students connections to modern day news and transfers ideas in order for students to get a deeper understanding of the material we are learning. I want my students to be able to discuss what’s going on in the world around them so that they can be aware and form their own opinions.
In my classroom I will incorporate both formal and informal assessments. I want to be able to track my students’ progress and ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge they need to move on the next level or path they plan to take. I enjoy using informal assessments because they give a great indication of student progress and allow the teacher to monitor and adjust lessons for the benefit of student learning. One form of informal assessment I often use entails the students putting their heads down and taking votes of what is the correct answer to a question I state out loud. This ensures that students do not follow the pack and vote one way because the rest of the class does. With this method I can gauge who is struggling with the material and who needs extra help. When using formal assessments, I would prefer to use methods other than tests because tests often cause anxiety. There are other forms of formal assessment such as papers and projects that can be accurate assessments of student growth while causing less student anxiety.
As previously stated I believe that my duty is to create a classroom environment where my students learning styles are addressed. That’s why I take feedback very seriously. I want to make sure my students are learning and the best way to do that is monitor my students and their progress. I will adjust my teaching in order to ensure that my students have all that they need to succeed. That also includes feedback from administrators and observers. In my past field experiences and student teaching, I have reflected on my own teaching skills and also have read through the feedback I have received in order to grow in my teaching skills and adjust my methods of teaching. I’m always open to feedback. At the end of the day, all I want to do is be a great teacher; any advice, feedback, or constructive criticism I receive can only help me grow.
In the Education Field there is always more to learn, whether it be teaching styles, current events, workshops or strategies. I am willing and ready to learn, considering it is one of the things I value most. I want to prove to my students that I’m a lifelong learner. If I do not know the answer, my class and I will find the answer together. I want my students to know that even I’m not done learning, and I never will be!
Overall, all I want is to be the best teacher that I can be. I want my students to know that I care and will do everything I can to help them in their educational journey.