My Personal Philosophy

The classroom environment:

It is my firm beliefs that every classroom should be a safe and comfortable learning environment for each and every student. A main component to achieving this type of classroom is to develop a community where respect, listening, and encouragement are present. I demonstrate these attributes to my students in order to foster this type of environment. Every student deserves this atmosphere, and it is one in which they will grow and flourish. I believe that it is the staff, teacher, and student's job to ensure this type of community.

My philosophy of education:

Being a teacher is a tall task. It isn't a job cut out for just anyone, and I take my position very seriously. Being a teacher means helping pull the next generation up. Without them, our future does not exist. They are the future. It means guiding them to where they need to be, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in their minds. Personally, I hope to show my students the importance of literature and writing in their daily lives, and how they can use the skills that they learn in language arts class in the outside world.

What students need most often is someone who directs and guides them, not someone who lectures at them. In order for students to become lifelong learners, I believe that they need to establish independence in their learning process. I am there to provide some answers and, as an English teacher, some interpretations, but it is up to the learner whether or not they engage in that material. I am a believer in both independent and group-work, as both benefit different types of students. A variety of methods of instruction are needed in order to reach the most types of learners and keep students engaged and on their feet.

I don't want to be a rule-enforcer, but rather a leader to my students. When I ask for respect, I give respect first. I believe that the best way to interact with students experiencing difficulties in the classroom is to ask them how they are doing and what they need from me. I understand that life is not easy, and I am willing to walk alongside students and help them to learn to their fullest potential at the same time. As a teacher I am called to listen to the needs and interests of my students.

Diversity:

Diversity is essential to any classroom. Diversity in learners exists in any classroom through class differences, race differences, family differences, learning differences. These differences are benefits to each and every one of us as they provide an expanded view on life. It is my hope that we are able to share our diversity and bask in the glory of it. Everyone is given a different hand during life, and sharing our hands will bring us closer together as a community.

Every student deserves to feel accepted and appreciated in the classroom. To do this, we instill classroom rules that ask for respect. I make it my duty to show every student respect, fairness, and an equal opportunity at learning no matter their differences.

Learning and students with exceptional learning needs:

Learning happens over time, and often I believe that true learning leaves you with a set of skills rather than a set of facts in your head. Students in my classroom will learn the skills to read, write, speak, and engage in public discussion in the real world. Every student prefers learning one way to another, whether it be auditory, visually, kinesthetically, etc. It's important to include a variety of activities and methods of instruction in order to accommodate for these learning preferences.

Students with exceptional learning needs will be given the support that they need mandated by IEPs, 504s, or BIPs. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in school, some just need extra tools to do so. Students with exceptional learning needs will be given the same respect, encouragement, and listening that other students receive.

Faith and other beliefs:

As a Christian teacher, I believe that it is my job to aid students in reaching their fullest potential. God gives each student individual gifts, and it is part of my job to foster those gifts and their intelligence and help mold them into their best self. One of the most important foundations of Christianity is love. To love a student in the Christian contexts means to: support them, be there for them, guide them, despite all differences and problems that may arise. Love does not fail, and it certainly will not fail me in my efforts as a teacher.