THE CLASSROOM

Ms. Walker's Teaching Philosophy Statement

I am deeply committed to the growth and success of every student in my classroom, school, and county district. I strive to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment that integrates Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Design Thinking methodologies.

In my classroom, students are empowered with voice and choice, fostering curiosity, enhancing self-esteem, and improving self-evaluation. I believe in the transformative power of technology education, which not only stimulates the mind but also supports hands-on modeling through routines that develop actionable habits. As the adage goes, “Practice makes permanent”; the right behavior indeed builds the right habit. My classroom is structured yet engaging, promoting group collaboration and peer support. In the spirit of PBL, students work on real-world challenges that require them to research, collaborate, and come up with solutions, thereby learning by doing. Through Design Thinking, students are encouraged to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test their ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.

While embracing the essence of diverse cultures, I strongly believe that safety is the highest priority. A rigorous safety routine is established at the beginning of the school year, and seats are assigned to prevent harm or injury. By setting safety constraints, I am giving students the personal freedom to create and innovate in a conservative manner. This balance between freedom and safety ensures that our classroom is a nurturing space where students can explore, learn, and grow.

In conclusion, my teaching philosophy integrates PBL and Design Thinking with a strong emphasis on student empowerment, technology education, safety, and a culture of collaboration and innovation. I am dedicated to preparing our students for a future where they can thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

Please click the following links to learn about the classroom expectations, norms, and procedures for this elective.