My Philosophy on Teaching: Making an Impact
My philosophy on teaching is easy: I want to make an impact in my students' lives. In order to do that, I have to start by providing my students with the most conducive learning environment possible. This means that the classroom culture will be positive, safe and comfortable for them. I need to build relationships with each student and get to know them so that I understand them. I want to allow my students the freedom to share their ideas, lives and cultures with the rest of the class and be socially productive. I will also provide structure to the class by building a routine and have the students contribute to the rules that will govern them.
Part of my teaching philosophy includes my belief that integrating as many subjects as possible into each lesson provides the students with the most well-rounded educational experience. Technology is part of our future, but we can also not forget the importance of the arts, writing, and literature. Students need to have the opportunity to utilize various medias. It is my goal to give the students the quality education they deserve to maximize their academic achievement. Along with integrating multiple subjects areas, it is vital to take into consideration the needs of the individual students and provide suitable accommodations with each lesson.
Learning does not have to be a difficult process. Setting high expectations from the beginning allows for no excuses. In fact, I have taught my students that in my class there is no such word as 'hard'. If something is beyond what they think they can do, it is a 'challenge' and then I challenge them to give their best effort to succeed and say that they can do it. I had quite a few students achieve goals that they did not think they could reach, all due to more positive thinking and persistence. I want my students to remember me for making them try, and discovering on their own that they really can do anything.
(COE Principle 6 (Learning Environments): The COE graduate knows and understands individual and group motivation and behavior and creates a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. They create enriched learning environments., COE Principle 10 (Reflection and Professional Development): The COE graduate is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of choices and actions on students, adults, parents, and other professionals in the learning community, and who actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally. They respond to the rapidly changing educational context of Southern Nevada in a thoughtful manner.)
"The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."
-Khalil Gibran, poet