Philosophy of Education
When I think back, memories from my schooling are faint, but those that I am able to recollect have led me to become a determined and compassionate person. The most distinct memory came from words spoken out of disappointment by my 9th grade science teacher after she realized the majority of the class did not attempt to do the homework. Though we tried to reason with her testifying that it was too hard, she lectured us and said that we did not need to get all the answers correct; a credible amount of effort would be satisfactory. This was followed by words of advice that are permanently engraved in my mind:
“You know class; the only thing you have to do in life is die.”
This brief yet significant moment has built an inner drive for me to push through all of the obstacles I am forced to face knowing that the outcome is success. My own experience has shaped my philosophy as an educator for I believe every student has the ability to be an accomplished person. My primary goal is to guide students in a direction where they use their strengths to flourish and reach their full potential.
In order to fulfill this goal, I must form a trusting relationship with my students, as well as, create an environment which promotes cultural diversity. This will establish a comfortable means of communication between my students and I as it is important that I am not only viewed as a facilitator but also a mentor. My students need to know that I am there to support and guide them for I am their advocate.
This support is reflected in my teaching methods, as well. It is important to recognize that all students are unique and with that, all students process information in different ways. In order to meet my students needs, I need to familiarize myself with the various learning styles in my class, which gives me the information needed to plan accordingly. I believe the most effective method in determining what students need and how they learn is through a combination of assessments, data, and my own observations in the class.
The best way to address all of my students needs is by applying differentiated instruction. This allows for lessons that include a multitude of teaching methods, which ultimately addresses the varied learning styles in my classroom. Along with that, I believe scaffolding is critical as it gives students the support needed to build upon prior knowledge. It also gives students the tools needed to use their own cognitive process to learn as opposed to the teacher feeding them information. This ability gives students the building blocks needed to become independent and motivated individuals.
Through professional development and continuous practice, my career goal is to guide each of my students in a direction where they are all able to reach their full potential, allowing them to flourish in the world. In the words of Mitch Albom:
“Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back.”
When I think back, memories from my schooling are faint, but those that I am able to recollect have led me to become a determined and compassionate person. The most distinct memory came from words spoken out of disappointment by my 9th grade science teacher after she realized the majority of the class did not attempt to do the homework. Though we tried to reason with her testifying that it was too hard, she lectured us and said that we did not need to get all the answers correct; a credible amount of effort would be satisfactory. This was followed by words of advice that are permanently engraved in my mind:
“You know class; the only thing you have to do in life is die.”
This brief yet significant moment has built an inner drive for me to push through all of the obstacles I am forced to face knowing that the outcome is success. My own experience has shaped my philosophy as an educator for I believe every student has the ability to be an accomplished person. My primary goal is to guide students in a direction where they use their strengths to flourish and reach their full potential.
In order to fulfill this goal, I must form a trusting relationship with my students, as well as, create an environment which promotes cultural diversity. This will establish a comfortable means of communication between my students and I as it is important that I am not only viewed as a facilitator but also a mentor. My students need to know that I am there to support and guide them for I am their advocate.
This support is reflected in my teaching methods, as well. It is important to recognize that all students are unique and with that, all students process information in different ways. In order to meet my students needs, I need to familiarize myself with the various learning styles in my class, which gives me the information needed to plan accordingly. I believe the most effective method in determining what students need and how they learn is through a combination of assessments, data, and my own observations in the class.
The best way to address all of my students needs is by applying differentiated instruction. This allows for lessons that include a multitude of teaching methods, which ultimately addresses the varied learning styles in my classroom. Along with that, I believe scaffolding is critical as it gives students the support needed to build upon prior knowledge. It also gives students the tools needed to use their own cognitive process to learn as opposed to the teacher feeding them information. This ability gives students the building blocks needed to become independent and motivated individuals.
Through professional development and continuous practice, my career goal is to guide each of my students in a direction where they are all able to reach their full potential, allowing them to flourish in the world. In the words of Mitch Albom:
“Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back.”