Teaching Philosophy

Philosophy of Education

"Teaching and education are not one size fit all."-It is with this notion in mind, that as an educator, my duty is to tailor my lessons, my styles and strategies to suit the needs of all in my care. It is my belief that through education, an individual will garner the necessary tools, skills, and experiences needed to be successful and independent, and informed citizens.  

The decision to become an educator was due to the patience and interest in my own education by my grade 5 teacher; who instilled in me the need to succeed despite the odds. That drive was later coupled and fueled by lack of interest, partiality and disregard for those who were falling behind by my high school teachers.

These experiences be it good or bad fuelled my drive and also the fact that I believed that I was called to be an educator with a difference and make a difference. A call that I have answered and will continue to answer. I believe that teaching is one of the most rewarding profession; not monetary wise but sweet taste of excellence. Seeing my students excel cements all doubt that I was called to be an educator.

"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship."- 

Dr. James Comer

Echoing the same sentiments as Dr. Comer, I believe it is crucial that relationship is fostered between an educator and his/her students as well as with the parents. When students are able to feel a sense of safety and encourage to speak to the teacher, it makes reaching and teaching them much easier. As an educator I believe that I have an excellent rapport with not just my students but my parents and this is an art, I have perfected throughout my many years of teaching. My goal as an educator is that my classroom is a safe haven and the students see themselves as smart children with the potential to be anything they desire to be and also to make a difference while learning and having fun. I believe it is my duty to pinpoint to my students that they are individuals with their unique talents and strengths.

The teaching and learning experience comes alive and is more meaningful when as educators we can get down to their level, have fun and be fun. As an educator my mandate is to always ensure that my students are involved holistically in all teaching affairs in our classroom and that learning is not boring but engaging and uplifting. In doing so, different strategies, games and tones are used. My students not only sees me as their teacher but their confidant, biggest supporter, motivator and friend.

"Allow students the opportunity to see mistakes and imperfection as a part of the process."-

Education to the core

It is paramount that students are given the opportunity to make mistakes, see their mistakes and correct their mistakes without feeling as if they are failures; with this ideology, in mind my teaching styles and techniques  are student- centered and holistically metered. These techniques were recently altered to suit the era in which education has found itself. Educators have to be adopted or we will find ourselves failing and falling behind which will in turn affect our students. The teaching and learning experience must be one that sells itself and the returns rewarding. Hence the incorporation of the 4Cs are critical in the everyday planning and execution in my classroom. The classroom is a business and the students are my clients, hence its my responsibility to ensure that they are satisfied and their needs met. This is achieved through the use of whole group discussions which fosters communication, group work which enables collaboration and the emphasis that they must be creative and critical thinkers through problem-solving.

The use of technology has become the new norm; therefore my students and myself have to be up to par and in the game. this is fostered through in-class training and posting of tutorials. The incorporation of interactive manipulatives and activities along with games are used to keep the students engaged and the delivery of lessons interactive. Students are allowed the opportunity to peer teach and peer-review which helps to concretize concepts. This is a strategy that I have found to work wonders and get the job done. I believe that the use of instructional strategies that adequately and efficiently caters to the different and unique learning styles of our students is paramount as no child must be left behind.

It is my hope as an educator to continually mold the minds of our future leaders as they become successful and informed citizens as I work to help in making Vision 2020 a reality. It is also my hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of my charges and to give them the opportunity to be the best they can be as I provide them with the necessary tools and skills in an environment that is conducive to learning and fosters holistic development.