Teaching Philosophy
To be a teacher, there are certain characteristics that you simply need. Not everyone is meant to be a teacher, and I mean that with the kindest intentions. Teachers need to be patient, caring, understanding, empathetic, passionate, driven, and knowledgable. I know how important it is to have a teacher with all of these characteristics because I still remember those who were all of those things and how they impacted me. Certain teachers just have that gift to touch children and I believe I have this gift. There has never been a doubt in my mind about choosing to be a teacher, no matter the "negative" comments that I have received. Truth be told, I think that more people have tried to talk me out of teaching than those who have encouraged me. To be a teacher, you cannot be in it for the pay, the title, or the benefits. You must be in it because this is where your heart lies, and this reigns true for me. I want my classroom to feel like my students' "home away from home." I want them to walk in and sigh in relief because they feel welcomed, loved, and safe. I want my students to be glad that I am their teacher.
I want my students to find a love for learning. I want to encourage children to discuss with one another and be able to talk about what they have learned. Allowing students to talk to one another, you create a space where children feel heard and important. Secondly, I will only be using positive reinforcement in my classroom. Negative comments will only hinder and distract a student, and everyone is bound to make mistakes- even adults. Instead, correcting with positive reinforcement will teach students to be understanding and more responsible. Thirdly, when children start to seem tired, burnt out, or just bored, let's jump back! And by this, I mean jumping jacks, running in place, toe touches, flexible seating, etc. Any exercise you can do while standing in one space, I will encourage. I know that I would not learn well sitting still at a desk all day, so let's get up and move to wake our brains back up! One of the most important things that a teacher can do is realize that kids are human. They will need bathroom breaks at "inconvenient" times, they will get sleepy, they will forget things at home, and they will sometimes mess up. How we react will teach them life lessons!