Teaching Philosophy
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”
~ Benjamin Franklin ~
A quote from Benjamin Franklin can summarize my educational mission. Teachers who love teaching inspire children to love learning. Creating an active, engaged learning environment is my goal as a teacher. For years, I have wanted to teach and inspire others in the same way that my favorite fourth-grade elementary school teacher, Mrs. Crandall, inspired me some time ago. Although I took a long and often indirect route to becoming a teacher in Early Childhood Education, my journey provided me with experiences and opportunities to observe educators from many disciplines and of many skill levels, which shaped my teaching philosophy.
My reason for becoming a teacher is to have the same impact on a student(s) life that Mrs. Crandall still has on my life. That they will have positive thoughts about their experience in my classroom 50 years later because the love of teaching, respect for others and compassion demonstrated in my classroom. Teachers ask students questions and help them find answers. Nevertheless, learning involves more than just finding the right answer but also establishing a path to get there. Progress comes from learning with every step. When nurtured with guidance, support, care, and passion, this love for learning can fill a classroom with joy, challenges, and accomplishments. As a teacher, I strive to ignite curiosity and foster creativity in my classroom, where guidelines, not rules, create a positive and flexible environment, leading to respect, compassion, and understanding.
Flexibility and patience are essential to me. When a teacher can adjust the classroom schedule according to the student's needs, he or she can determine which lessons are most important. The reward of patience is when a class grasps and masters a lesson fully. Most children can grasp an idea quickly, while others may need more time and practice. Depending on the pace and comprehension of the class, a whole day's planning may change completely. For some students, lessons will end early or be extended. Preparation is essential. Flexibility allows teachers to adapt enrichment, manipulatives, and resources to meet students' needs.
Since every day brings new learning opportunities, professional development is one of my most essential teaching aspects. It is possible to grow as a teacher when collaborating with the staff and community. Students will realize they can learn best in a group setting when working together to solve even the most challenging problems. In my classroom, family involvement is not just crucial, it's valued and integral. The child becomes more relaxed and willing to learn when the school and the home are connected.
Parents need to be informed about progress. I have written newsletters and shared opportunities for families in the past. Journaling can also be a great way to connect when a student needs more time to speak at the end of a busy school day. Students' success in the classroom depends on communication, regardless of the method used.
As a teacher, diversity is an asset to a successful classroom. Each child has their own culture, heritage, knowledge, and beliefs. This allows us to share these ideas as a class and feel committed to working together. In addition to having a diverse classroom, I strongly support the idea of multiple intelligences (Howard Gardner). Some children excel in certain areas, while others do not. One child can learn best through mathematics activities, while another may learn best through creative arts. My job as a teacher is to use differentiated instruction and alternative approaches that allow each child to shine and feel self-confident in what they do. My style of instruction is flexible so that children can master the lesson at their own pace.
I strive to cultivate an environment that inspires students to actively participate in their education by creating a learning environment where they can actively participate in their education and build solid relationships.
Being a teacher/educator is a rewarding and meaningful career that goes beyond simply providing students with information. I like the creativity and independence teaching offers. In some ways, teaching is one of the most impactful professions because it plays such a crucial role in shaping young people's minds and lives.