Teaching Philosophy

I had a difficult time in school from the first through the fourth grades and even suffered from a
slight reading disability. Through the efforts of exceptional teachers, who recognized that I was
an individual with different learning needs, I was able to overcome my early learning difficulties
to become the student that I am today. My early learning experiences are the foundation of my
teaching philosophy.
I believe every student should be acknowledged as individuals who have something important to
contribute to class. By understanding the knowledge students bring to the classroom, I can better
integrate their prior knowledge into class activities. s a result of my own early learning
difficulties, I am sensitive to the diverse needs and abilities of my students. I try to create an
environment where all students can participate successfully in class activities.
s a teacher, I believe it is important to have a democratic classroom. I am generally a people
person and my students will never feel as though they are inferior to me. I will strive to make
them feel that we are e!ual partners in their learning experiences while in my class. "reating a
partnership with students to encourage meaningful learning will be the focus of my classroom
management. dictatorship creates a #me versus them$ atmosphere, which I do not believe is
conducive to meaningful learning. Integrating lessons with activities that foster the development
of teacher%student and student%student relationships will be the focus of my teaching style.
I believe that having fun in school is important but focusing on having fun is the wrong emphasis
for classroom communities. &etting students genuinely interested in what they are doing in
school develops good classroom relationships and learning. "lassrooms and curriculums must
be interesting, intellectual, critical, creative, purposeful, communal, and highly relevant. If you
make the curriculum interesting, current and relevant to today and your students' lives, classroom
management and student discipline will only improve.
I feel strongly that curriculum needs to be culturally relevant to the students in my classroom. It
is important for students to see that the sub(ect matter is relevant to their lives and experiences or
they will not practice what they have learned outside the classroom. This is why I feel it is
important to learn about students' lives and cultures and then make the curriculum relevant to
their lives.
s a teacher, my availability to both my students and their parents will be an integral part of my
teaching style. I feel that students should be able to express their needs and feelings directly to
me. Being available makes the students feel comfortable and willing to discuss sensitive issues.
)astly, my philosophy is that the classroom is a safe place to learn and interact. safe
environment insures that a classroom is a fun and aesthetic place to learn.