Shannon Vennes - TLI - 2024

Educational Philosophy

Within my role as an educator, I firmly believe that I must adjust my teaching to fit my students, rather than insist that my students change to fit into my “teaching mold”. Each student is different in his or her learning stage and abilities. When each student feels more comfortable in the classroom, he or she is allowed to excel in learning.

I strongly believe that the role of an educator is not only to provide students with the opportunity to learn but also within a learning environment that is safe and allows them to feel comfortable. In doing this, I observe, that students are more often willing to participate and take a risk when sharing or collaborating with their classmates on projects. Students can learn about themselves more when they are in an environment that allows them to be successful. 

In my professional practice, I work with my team teachers to ensure that we are all looking out for the best interest of each student. We collaborate when needed to tackle a peer problem or academic situation. I also collaborate with teachers from other schools, specifically when I am engaged with the Billings Education Association, as I believe that we, collectively as a district can work together to foster student learning and growth.