My teaching philosophy emphasizes that students are to learn in the best way for them, with consideration of different students’ needs, with a goal of learning both collectively and individually. It also focuses on treating others with value and respect, while leaving room for building interpersonal relationships.
The first aspect of this philosophy addresses that every student is going to understand material in different ways. Some students may understand it the first time they see it or read it, while others may understand it the second time they see it or after they draw it. There are just so many ways knowledge can be obtained and expressed. Another part of this philosophy acknowledges that every student is different, and with that, every student is going to have different needs. Some of these needs will require accommodations, whether it’s trans-languaging or addressing physical disabilities. Other needs may come from circumstances outside the classroom, which may or may not be within our control.
The goal of learning is a central part of education, and there’s a special emphasis on this happening at both the individual level and as a collective classroom experience. Respect and value are essential to this, ensuring that teaching means viewing all students with equal regard. The final part of my philosophy emphasizes making space for relationship building, creating social environments, and fostering friendships while learning. This last piece has been one of the most honest things I’ve observed in the classroom, and I think it’s something students are often lacking in today’s world.