The philosophy that guides me as an educator is “to diligently guide and empower the 21st-century learner to achieve their fullest potential by transforming the classroom, whether physically or virtually, into a place where learners can develop new impactful experiences and use these experiences to create disciples. I aim to teach and inspire hope in students, help to build their dreams, and for learners to become good citizens in the various capacities they will serve in the future. It is my passion to propel students’ knowledge, understanding, and love for science, specifically chemistry and biology. Technology and inquiry-based learning along with other appropriate teaching-learning strategies will be used perpetually to bring across lessons to students as each student may learn in a different way and at a different pace. Students are not only learning for the future but also for the present, therefore a practical approach will be taken when engaging students in the teaching-learning process and proper advice will be given to students on a daily basis as it relates to good moral behavior, etc.”
My philosophy as an educator is progressive because over time I grow, students change, and our society’s needs may be altered; therefore my philosophy will evolve as well.
In 2020 classrooms were thrust into a virtual space due to the pandemic. Today, over two years later, the virtual space is becoming entrenched in the education system. This means that technology must be a permanent tool in the process of education. Technology is a tool that has changed the nature of learning. Educators and learners of all ages are being compelled to access devices but the ethical principles that guide the proper use of technology must be taught. Students must be mindful of what they download, click, and share.
The term “netiquette” is defined as the rules that govern an online community. The use of curse and swear words in online forums, device distraction while in conversation, typing words in bold, and sending uncalled-for emails are a few examples of poor netiquette. Learners must be taught what makes good and bad netiquette and why. Another principle that should guide educators and learners is to always give credit to the sources from which work has been cited, to show respect to copyright, and avoid plagiarism.
The concept of self-image needs to be taught because nothing that goes into the digital world can ever be truly deleted. Children need to learn how future employers look up candidates' social media accounts to see how they represent themselves in public. All of these guidelines must be perpetually a part of the teaching and learning process to foster responsibility in the digital world.