My Educational Philosophy

Teaching is not my job; it’s what I am privileged to do on a daily basis. Not only am I able to prepare students to be useful citizens in our society, but as a Lutheran educator, I also have the unique privilege to prepare them for life after this world. I focus on creating a learning environment that is conducive to making mistakes, and, more importantly, learning from them. In teaching my students I stress responsibility and being accountable for your actions.

Developing relationships is another key component of my teaching philosophy. If you build a good working relationship where students see that you have a vested interest in them and care about them and their success, they are more likely to work harder for you. Getting to know your students also helps you figure out how your students learn best in the classroom.

Meeting all of my students’ needs is a goal I strive for every year. Regardless of what level my students are at, I always want to challenge them to do better than what they did the day before.

A large part of my teaching philosophy is the use of technology when applicable. Technology is a tool that can and should be used to enhance and improve education in the classroom, but should not be the end-all; it has to fit the situation. I feel that the idiom “square peg in a round hole” applies when using technology in the classroom. I try to use technology when it makes sense to do so, not just for the sake of saying I use technology in my teaching.

As an educator and technology coordinator, I never stop learning. Knowing what the newest technologies are and what apps and devices kids are using in their lives helps me to stay current. I always strive to figure out the best way to reach all of my students and believe that students generally react very well to using technology in the classroom.

Technology is a part of our world, whether we like it or not. The students in our classroom only know of a world with technology in it. Because of that, my classroom should be one where we use what students are familiar with, not one that operates the same as 50 years ago. I also need to continue encouraging my fellow teachers to incorporate technology within their teaching to reach students where they are comfortable.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I also need to prepare students to be useful citizens in society. Collaboration, problem-solving, and higher-level thinking skills are vital for many jobs today. Teaching students these skills makes their learning more authentic and better prepares them for their working life.

I believe that I relate best to the constructivist view of learning. Students learn best when they can build their learning upon what they already know. Using their interests provides authentic learning opportunities that help to construct more meaningful connections.

I have three key themes that my philosophy and portfolio revolves around: Teaching and Learning, Leadership, and Technology. As you look further at my portfolio, please keep these themes in mind. Thanks!