My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that each student is unique, with distinctive needs and potentials. During my third-year practicum at Valley View School in a grade 4/5 class, I navigated the challenges of a diverse range of student learning levels. Some were at a kindergarten level, others at grade 3, and some were on target or excelling. This experience reinforced the critical importance of teaching students where they are at and tailoring instruction to meet their individual needs. I worked diligently to simplify and adjust lessons, ensuring comprehension for those at lower levels while challenging higher-level students to meet curriculum expectations. This practicum underscored the notion that as a teacher, I must provide each student with what they need to excel, regardless of their starting point. Further shaping my approach, my earlier experience at Providence Child Development Society highlighted the transformative impact of tailored instruction and personalized therapy goals for coded students. This foundational experience instilled in me a commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. In essence, my pedagogical philosophy centers on inclusive practice and differentiated instruction. Informed by experiences at Valley View School and Providence, I am dedicated to celebrating diversity in student abilities and backgrounds. Through tailored instruction, I aim to create an inclusive learning environment where each student can thrive academically and personally, regardless of their starting point or current level of proficiency.
We, teachers, see some children more often than they see their families. It is for this reason that I am committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all learners. I want to make sure that my students are comfortable in class and that they are not discouraged from learning if they are not on the same learning level as their peers. When my students come into my classroom I strive to create a space where their transfer from home to school mindset is easy and welcoming. To do so, I am devoted to developing and executing literacy practices that will enable children to flourish in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.