Personal Teaching Mission and Values Statement by Margaret Wheeler
My Teaching ‘Mission and Values Statement’ will have a fundamental basis in the goal for and awareness of transformational learning with a key motivating statement in that regard coming from Jack Mezirow’s book Learning as Transformation, p 12-13:
“Discourse is not based on winning arguments; it centrally involves finding agreement, welcoming difference, ‘trying on’ other points of view, identifying the common in the contradictory, tolerating the anxiety implicit in paradox, searching for synthesis, and reframing.”
To achieve that Mission I will commit the following actions to my students:
I will continuously work to make every student feel welcome in my classes.
I will continuously work to improve my talents as a communicator.
I will continuously work to use my social skills to help students build supportive peer groups.
I will continuously work to find inspiration in the smallest of challenges that students present.
I will continuously work to foster a safe, cooperative learning environment in all classes.
I will continuously work to model positive characteristics such as the embracement of diversity, treating others with kindness and compassion, participating in volunteer and charitable efforts, and demonstrating humility and the ability to admit and be held accountable for making mistakes.
And finally, I will continuously be looking for strengths in students and the positive learning in every lesson so that students can be assured that it is my goal to contribute to their educational journey real academic value and renewal of spirit and commitment to their vocation.
The pursuit of the above actions will uphold the following values:
Providing Informed, Thoughtful and Responsive Teaching. I’ve learned that continued learned is critical in supporting good teaching in order to provide responsive teaching, nurture good habits of intellectual growth, research skills, artistic expression and instill in students curiosity and love of learning while engaging with each other and the local community.
Maintain Current Connection and Participation within the Profession of the Field of Study. I value the authenticity students can experience as a result of my involvement in the field of study that I teach. I value involvement with professional organizations and working in with the community to find students real opportunities to have experiences within their field of study.
Maintain an Inclusive, Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment. I value a diverse environment and will seek to include, engage, and support a diverse group of students, faculty and staff in all matters of supporting learning.
Sustainability in Animal Science and Greater Context. I value the principles of sustainability and the importance of creating a sustainable future. I will model applied sustainability best practices promoting social responsibility, encouraging environmental stewardship, and creating efficiencies and value for the work we perform.
Created for University of Southern Maine course HRD 639, The Heart of Teaching, Summer 2012