Teaching Philosophy 

As an emerging educator, my teaching philosophy has been shaped by my experiences with students and the lessons I’ve learned from them. I believe teaching history and the social sciences plays a vital role in empowering students to become future leaders and informed citizens. By understanding our past, examining the society we participate in, and exploring the global community we all contribute to, students gain the tools to navigate their post-secondary lives successfully. To support this, I am committed to continuous learning and growth as a teacher. In an ever-changing world, staying current on effective teaching practices and pedagogies is essential for tailoring my instruction to meet the diverse needs of my students. 

If I could choose three attributes that define a successful history and social sciences educator, they would be empathy, adaptability, and active listening. These qualities are critical, particularly when addressing polarizing or sensitive topics in the classroom. Empathy enables me to understand my students' perspectives and lived experiences, fostering a welcoming and productive learning environment where students feel valued and learn from one another. Adaptability allows me to connect real-world issues to the curriculum, helping students see the relevance of what they learn to their lives outside the classroom. Finally, active listening helps me support students more effectively while encouraging peer-to-peer learning, which is often just as impactful as teacher-led instruction.

In my classroom, I strive to incorporate a variety of instructional methods to engage students and deepen their understanding. Collaborative reasoning, deliberative dialogues, group projects, and presentations are all strategies I use to enhance critical thinking and communication skills. For example, at University High School, I led a discussion on McCarthyism that encouraged students to analyze and debate its impacts in groups. During my student teaching at West Leyden High School, I facilitated a collective bargaining simulation where students acted as workers or managers negotiating a contract. This activity not only engaged students but also helped them make real-world connections, preparing them for future workplace experiences.

Another cornerstone of my teaching philosophy is giving students the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. Encouraging student voice and open dialogue fosters greater participation and investment in learning. For instance, at West Leyden, I designed an election cycle project where students analyzed party platforms and presented their findings. The activity not only increased engagement but also inspired students to consider the importance of voting and informed decision-making.

Feedback and revision are also integral to my approach. I believe students should have the chance to learn from their mistakes and demonstrate growth through assignment resubmissions. At West Leyden, I implemented a policy allowing students to revise summative assessments based on feedback, which helped students improve their comprehension, writing skills, and confidence in their abilities.

Incorporating technology thoughtfully is another priority. While I recognize its potential to enhance access to materials and collaboration, I also understand the distractions personal devices can pose. At West Leyden, I adapted my lessons to create a tech-free environment that emphasized peer interaction, critical thinking, and collaborative activities, such as debates and rotations.

I also value collaboration with colleagues and parents to ensure the best outcomes for students. At West Leyden, I participated in weekly PLC meetings where I benefited from the mentorship and insights of experienced educators. Additionally, working with parents—especially in the ESL program—helped me support students more effectively both in and out of the classroom. Engaging families through emails, phone calls, and meetings created a partnership that empowered students to succeed.

My ultimate goal as an educator is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, develop essential skills, and understand the world around them. I am excited to guide students on this journey and help them reach their full potential through the study of history and the social sciences.