My professional philosophy on education is summed up as the notorious question that most children are asked of, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I always answered with, “A mom”. The entirety of my life I couldn’t ever imagine anything than the most precious moments of putting band-aids on boo-boos, rewarding “WOW, you did it!”, and crossing those milestones of all the first. Once I really became a mother it was apparent to me that I have a passion for those small intrinsic returns. Seeing children grow and flourish is special to me in a way that is irreputable. The support, management, and security that a mother brings is exactly why I decided in my heart that I would pursue becoming an educator.
Teaching is so much more than classroom walls and graded papers. I believe that the impact of an instructor is a significant influence on students’ self-efficacy and confidence starting from a young age that may follow them into adulthood. I will strive to improve the quality of life in my young learners through ethical guidance and intimate instruction. The relationship I build with my students is my top priority to instill a respectful agreement that promotes the inner structure children need to be productive.
Students are simply not naturally proactive and motivated. Therefore, creating a consistent environment for them to feel encouraged and valued will lead to higher displays of engaged performance. Every scholar can shine when they are able to tangibly identify their progress and success’. As I view my students to be creative and ambitious, I will reliably monitor and adjust to fit the needs of every individual through an array of management strategies. Including, but not limited to bringing awareness to the “hidden student”, teaching the whole child, practiced procedures, and a class creed.
As Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, my conviction of development is that students learn from socialization and implementing the observed actions/materials. Through that concept I will pursue incorporating diversity within my lessons so that every child not only feels seen, but others can process the multicultural differences and learn to appreciate those within their school society. Due to these multifaceted variations, I will deviate my instructional strategies to best reach their individuality. I believe experiential, cooperative learning, and interactivity with media/assistive technology to be the most rewarding.
I recognize that there will be students who require accommodation or modifications within my classroom. I consider all youth, regardless of age, exceptionality, disability, or disorder to be capable and deserving to learn at their appropriate rate. It is apparent that those who may have a handicap will need assistance, or those with a learning impairment may require different techniques. It is my pursuit to be there and stand in the gap by providing differentiated instruction for everyone to ensure each child can attain success.
The goals I have set for my students are to become free thinkers with a passion for learning accompanied by an empathetic attitude toward their peers. Including others within their instruction methods will instill humility and people smarts they will require once they prepare themselves for the workforce or to be productive in society. Despite where one may come from, you do not have to be a product of your environment. We can make the conscious decision together to break free from what may be holding us back.
Although that may be easier said than done, the most resourceful tool for students to be successful is the partnership that is built between teachers and home. That is why I find it to be essential to develop rapport from the time their child’s name hits my desk. Creating a space that parents feel involved in will open a passage for clear communication and collaboration.
This also stems into the relationship I develop with my administration and coworkers. I find it to be incredibly important for everyone to have a voice in their vision, but collectively work toward the same mission. Through co-teaching and constructive feedback, we can build a community that puts the best efforts into the education of every child. We are seen by those on the outside as holding the responsibility for their loved one’s future when it comes to academics. Thus, we are more than just the title of educators; We are a team.
My personal objective is to achieve content mastery of education. This is something I have visualized and wake up each day ready to pursue. Through providing a safe environment within my classroom, ensuring proficient or higher academics in my scholars, and building a forceful influence within the community, I consider it to be favorably attainable. Of course, there is always obstacles, challenges, and days that are just out right…” life”. Yet with a passion on fire such as mine I am ready to go to war for my students and give them the best educational experience that I can. “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”- John Dewey