Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, it is  clear to me that my role is not to force learning on to my students, and is rather to create an environment for them in which deep and meaningful learning can occur. I have always viewed my role as a teacher to be similar to that of a gardener. Without the care of a gardener, seeds would not be able to grow and develop and teachers must provide their students with things like care, independence, and the tools for learning. After seeds have grown and can be pulled out of the soil they no longer need the gardener to nurture them, this is similar with students. I do not want my students to be reliant on me and instead I want them to grow in to independent beings. 

As a teacher,  I have found it extremely beneficial to reflect on my own time as a student, and to consider why I teach. My experiences as a student, either positive or negative, have all related to the role that my teachers played in my learning. I understand the unique responsibility that comes with being a teacher, and am committed to supporting my students and helping them grow. There are multiple reasons why I teach, but I constantly find myself coming back to the idea of the classroom/school environment as a garden, and positioning myself as the gardener. My job as a teacher is not to manage students through everything that they do, but is instead to give them the tools that they need to flourish and grow as individuals. Relating my teaching practice to the connection between a gardener and their garden has made it clear to me what my role is in the classroom.  

I believe that each student who I interact with has their own role to play in the classroom environment, and it is my job to nurture and support their unique qualities. Just as the different plants in a garden need different amounts of water, sunlight, and care, I must provide my students with different levels of support to meet their needs. As a teacher it is my job to get to know my students, and use this knowledge to help them learn in a way that is best suited to their needs. Every teaching experience that I have had has come back to the importance of getting to know my students interests, backgrounds, and needs, and my ability to form and nurture meaningful relationships with my students is something I will carry with me. I also understand that these relationships that I form allow me to be a proactive and intentional planner, and supporting my students is my number one job as an educator. 

The above image is a word cloud that reflects my PEW philosophy. It is evident that students are at the centre of everything I do, and are my main priority as a teacher! 

Teaching Physical Education/Wellness Philosophy

I believe that my teaching of Physical Education and Wellness (PEW) should be rooted in enjoyment. It is clear to me that a love for being active is something that I can support my students with, and it is my responsibility to get my students moving every day, even outside of the 'gym' environment. There are a couple of different ways that a genuine love for movement can be fostered, and this includes making an active lifestyle accessible, relevant, and attainable. Making space for all of my students, and adapting the activities I create to be inclusive, can really help increase their self-esteem. It is also evident that the activities that I create for my students must be building on Fundamental Movement Skills, and building up skills that will last a lifetime. Building these Fundamental Movement Skills can be done through a variety of different models, and combining multiple different ideas seems to be the most effective. My learning throughout this course has opened my eyes to the importance of play, this includes risky play, and the benefits this has for children. Utilizing games to teach essential skills can help make being active more approachable, and can break down barriers for students. It is my responsibility to my students is not just ensuring that they can execute a specific skill, but is instead related to giving them skills that extend beyond the classroom. Based on my own personal experiences I know how empowering it can be to pursue your passion, and I hope to help each of my students find something that they are passionate about. 

The planning aspect of teaching PEW stands out to me as being especially important, so that the activities that I am bringing to my students are relevant to their lives. Planning effective lessons for students includes being intentional about routines, expectations, and understanding what students will be getting out of various activities. Part of this planning includes being aware of the safety guidelines that will inform how I approach the safety aspect of my work. It is my responsibility to ensure that students are provided with a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable PEW experience.