Teaching Philosophy & Dispositions
Statements

High Expectations

As an educator I hold a commitment to having high expectations for all learners with an understanding that every child can learn and deserves a chance at success. I understand that having high expectations does not mean expecting perfection but to expect results from each and every student and to take responsibility for when there is an absence of growth. While students are in my care it is my duty to equip them with the skills they will need to someday be successful adults, so if I am not seeing growth than I am not fulfilling my duty as an educator. A large part of committing to helping young minds grow is seeking to understand students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to individualize learning, since everyone learns differently. I commit to boosting every single one of my students, and to never let the expectations of others divert my energy towards anything that might leave any of my students behind.

Respect for the Diversity of Others

As an educator I am pledging to always hold my students’ best interest at heart, which includes considering the unique ways each student learns and their diverse backgrounds that contribute to who they are and how they approach things in their lives. When planning activities and instruction I will seek to include representation of all of my students in one form or another in order to create a relatable learning experience where my students can see themselves in the stories we read and the scenarios we work through. I will seek to get to know the backgrounds of my students so that I can find meaningful ways for us all to connect as a classroom and school community, as well as to assure that I am being respectful of my students and their families in all that I do. I will not tolerate discrimination in my classroom by any children or adults and I will strive to make my room a safe place for all.

Fairness

While providing my students with their best chances of success, I will always keep in mind that fair does not mean equal and that meeting a student’s needs may look different depending on that student’s specific needs and circumstances. I commit to always putting my students’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing before any academic expectations because I know that a student must have their basic needs met before meaningful learning can be achieved. I vow to create a learning environment that is built upon mutual respect, where my students know they are safe, feel genuinely cared about, and feel respected. As a teacher I am committing to defending the rights and wellbeing of my students, even when that may require difficult conversations. In assessing the learning of my students, I will be fair in my expectations and seek to find gaps in their learning so that I can help strengthen their understanding and confidence in themselves.

Professional Conduct

While putting my students first I will remember to maintain professional relationships and conduct myself in a way that represents educators in a positive and respectful way. I will approach challenges in an appropriate manner that shows respect for all individuals involved, while maintaining integrity for the values I hold as a teacher. My commitment to the profession will be seen in the way I present myself in how I dress, my timeliness, my attitude, and how I interact with others. I will remain dedicated to doing what it takes to best serve my students, including seeking out professional development opportunities, getting involved with the community, finding the best ways to use the resources available to me, and adhering to the law. I will also strive to be a positive member of my school community amongst my colleagues and do what I can to uplift and help them.

Reflection

 Teaching and learning are not one-size-fits all, so as I teach and my students learn we will share in each other’s responsibilities in that we will both be teachers and learners in order to reflect and grow together. As an educator I am committing to being a life-long learner in order to stay informed about the best teaching practices and approaches, as well as staying informed about the things that affect my students and their community. I reflect throughout my day, every day, in order to make sure I am doing everything I can to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Every situation is a learning experience that can help me grow.

Curiosity

         As an educator I will spark the curiosity of my students through engaging activities that make them think more deeply about the world around them. In doing this, I will also continually spark my own curiosity and joy for learning. I will approach every lesson, situation, and problem with curiosity in motivations, backgrounds, ways to engage, how to make things applicable, and what things could mean to different people. I will also teach my students how to approach the world outside of the classroom with curiosity so that their learning does not end at dismissal.

Honesty

         I will remain honest in my efforts as an educator, which includes accepting when I may make a mistake, being transparent in the choices that I make, and making sure to include all stakeholders and their input when making decisions. This also means that I will seek to stand up for my values, even when that may warrant an uncomfortable conversation. Being honest includes being true to yourself, so I also commit to making sure I am taking care of myself and being honest about my own needs which will help me be a more effective educator as well as an example to others.

Advocacy

         Advocacy is why I came into teaching in the first place. Every child deserves to have someone who believes in them, sees them for who they are, works to help build their confidence, and sets them up with the skills that will help them move forward. I vow to do everything in my power to help students through the complex issues that face them, which includes helping them learn coping and problem-solving skills as well the importance of advocating for themselves. I will also work with other school and community members to help find solutions and resources to help students and their families when I become aware of issues affecting them.

Dedication

         As I approach each day, I will seek to have a positive attitude through the good days and the challenging days. I will consistently remind myself of the importance of my profession and the impact I can make so that I am always approaching what I do with maximum effort. When faced with obstacles in providing the best for my students, I will seek to understand how to better the situation which may include advocating for systemic change, getting involved in higher-level decision-making committees, and pulling together the local community and their unique resources. If I find myself to be lacking in certain areas, I also commit to seeking out professional development opportunities in order to increase my effectiveness. Even in advocating for my personal needs I will always make sure my students are taken care of.