MY PHILOSOPHY AS A BEGINNING TEACHER

"A hundred years ago, it would not matter what my bank account was,

the house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.

But the world may be different because

I was important in a child's life."

- Forest E. Witcraft (1894-1967).

I believe that this beautiful quotation leads me to pursue my dream in life, which is to teach children. The children need me to build a better world for them, where Education is of the utmost concern and importance. It is a calling that I need to respond to and take responsibility for. In just a few more months, I am almost done pursuing what I have started and continue what my heart desires, which, in turn, will benefit my future learners.

And because I genuinely believe in this extraordinary quotation, I am now pursuing what I have started and continue doing what's in my heart and what I think is best for the children and me. I believe in what Aristotle has stated that the one exclusive sign of thorough knowledge is the power of teaching. And that's the purpose of my life, to teach children and impact their lives. I want to become a teacher so that students will remember me not because I am a teacher by profession but rather because I am a teacher with a passion for teaching them and helping them develop well and achieve lifelong and quality learning.

When teaching, I believe that "Tell me and I forget, teach me, and I remember, involve me, and I learn" by Benjamin Franklin helps the learning process become more effective and efficient. As a future teacher, I must create a learner-centered classroom wherein I facilitate and let my learners explore and go beyond their knowledge, skills, and talents in which they develop their critical thinking skills and social skills. It is a learner-centered classroom where everyone has a voice in the four corners of my room, and no one else has the fear to express and share what's inside their minds and hearts. According to Buechner, they may forget what you said, but they will not forget what you made them feel. As a future teacher, I believe that I should be aware of the words I say to them. I must be mindful of their feelings and emotions. As a student teacher, I believe that I should be a role model of good deeds and inspire them to learn every day.

I must create an atmosphere that is a non-threatening, relatively motivating classroom environment. As stated by Allen Lakein that failing to plan is planning to fail. As a future teacher, I believe that I should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound in preparing my lesson plan. Effective learning begins with setting clear expectations and learning outcomes. I believe that incorporating technology is an essential tool in our current situation. I think that it makes the learning conducive because the knowledge is made easy to understand because of many platforms. It is also effective in that it catches students' attention and interest, which also helps the learners become motivated to engage themselves in the learning process. I believe that student success comes from a positive learning environment more relatively conducive to learning. Wherein the classroom is observed cleanliness, organized, well lighted, and ventilated, students would feel safe and secure. The chairs are good and adequately arranged, and the general classroom is structured and organized.

I believe that the learners should instill respect and a positive attitude in all aspects of life. Intelligence plus character is an excellent combination to achieve the goal of Education. Similarly, this relates to the quotation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." If you think you are intelligent, that's good, but without character, it is useless." As a future teacher, I must determine my learner's characteristics, needs, and interests so that I can plan and implement learning activities and assessments that are developmentally appropriate to address their diversity. Moreover, I believe that Education is not a preparation for life; Education is life itself, as stated by John Dewey. I firmly believe this because the moment a student begins to enter the school, every day opens many opportunities for the students. It's not true that Education is over after school; on the contrary, Education still happens even after the students get home. I believe that a teacher does not teach for the present situation; hence they are flexible and compassionate to teach for lifelong learning.

These quotes from famous people have influenced my philosophy as an elementary teacher. Not because they are famous but because they provided me a manifestation along my journey in practice teaching. I can say that this is what the school looks like at Panarayon Elementary School. A school guided by the principle and curriculum.