Teaching Philosophy
My education philosophy is encompassed by two main ideas:
1. I believe that a safe and engaging learning environment is necessary for students to be successful. Students need to know that they and their ideas are valued. I believe that allowing students to make mistakes without facing condemnation will help them to feel safe, and showing them how to work through and correct their mistakes will allow them to progress. I will also expect respect for others, openness to new ideas, and a drive to improve from my students and myself. Being consistent in my own behavior and following my own rules will show my students that I am genuine and that I expect nothing from them that I do not also expect from myself.
2. I believe that students learn best when they understand why they are learning something. If I cannot explain why students should be learning about grammar, Shakespeare, or poetry, how can I expect them to want to learn? It is my job as a teacher not only to teach Language Arts lessons but also to show students why those lessons are important. Students also learn best when given some control over their education. Offering students choices gives them control over their education, providing them with more motivation. I think that tailoring lessons to students’ learning styles, ability levels, and interests will also provide motivation for students to push themselves in their studies. When students enjoy learning, they will retain more information. Motivating students to learn is far more effective than forcing them to learn.
1. I believe that a safe and engaging learning environment is necessary for students to be successful. Students need to know that they and their ideas are valued. I believe that allowing students to make mistakes without facing condemnation will help them to feel safe, and showing them how to work through and correct their mistakes will allow them to progress. I will also expect respect for others, openness to new ideas, and a drive to improve from my students and myself. Being consistent in my own behavior and following my own rules will show my students that I am genuine and that I expect nothing from them that I do not also expect from myself.
2. I believe that students learn best when they understand why they are learning something. If I cannot explain why students should be learning about grammar, Shakespeare, or poetry, how can I expect them to want to learn? It is my job as a teacher not only to teach Language Arts lessons but also to show students why those lessons are important. Students also learn best when given some control over their education. Offering students choices gives them control over their education, providing them with more motivation. I think that tailoring lessons to students’ learning styles, ability levels, and interests will also provide motivation for students to push themselves in their studies. When students enjoy learning, they will retain more information. Motivating students to learn is far more effective than forcing them to learn.