My Philosophy of Education

I teach because I am passionate about learning.

Throughout my life, I have been a teacher in many ways. I have taught academic content to students in public school
classrooms, life lessons to my two daughters, how to listen and be supportive to my friends, and pedagogical
understandings to prospective educators. I thoroughly enjoy the learning process and am comfortable in the role of
teacher and learner. Enthusiasm for learning is contagious, and I am fulfilled when I inspire others to learn.
Effective teaching requires knowledge of the learner, content, and pedagogy.
There are three critical components required for effective teaching. First, I must have in-depth understanding of all
learners through analysis of contextual factors what are factors about the community and school that may impact
each learner? What are factors within the classroom that may impact each learner? What learning styles and previous
learning experiences does each learner have? Once I have a pulse on who my learners are, I must ensure I have a
deep understanding of the content I anticipate teaching. I must have enough background information to provide
requisite prior knowledge that some learners may lack, as well as an advanced understanding to ensure the gifted and
talented learners are able to move forward in their learning. Effective teaching also requires expertise with
pedagogical understandings. I rely on a repertoire of pedagogical methods in order to individualize my instruction
based upon all of my learners needs.
Effective learning occurs when a learner is motivated, engaged, and curious.
I want learners to look forward to my class. I want them to know I hold expectations for their learning and hold them
as an equal partner in the learning process. My class motto is, Working for knowledge, not grades, and I instill this
in my learners from the first day of class on. I plan for a variety of activities during a class session in order to keep
learners engaged and include a variety of learning experiences that include direct instruction, small group activities,
discovery learning, paired interactions, activities that utilize flexible grouping. I also impress upon learners the
importance of lifelong learning and encourage them to explore topics further beyond completing course
requirements. In order to do this, I ensure that learning experiences are relevant and learners see the real-world
application.
My teaching style is eclectic, and I like to incorporate a diverse range of learning experiences.
I work with learners in a variety of learning environments (i.e., face-to-face, online, and hybrid); therefore, I strive to
ensure all learners in all learning environments experience content through multiple modes. I self-evaluate my
learning experiences in each course to ensure that diversity is present. All learners in all learning environments
encounter information through collaborative experiences, varied readings (i.e., books, journals, online documents),
and authentic tasks designed to move learners towards mastery of content. Moreover, I use a variety of technological
tools to facilitate learning experiences and provide frequent opportunities for learners to use technology to create,
present, and learn content.
I am a learner-centered teacher and strive to develop a relationship with each learner.
Learners require a safe environment where it is acceptable to be a risk-taker. I provide learners with a great deal of
feedback through frequent conferences aimed to communicate what they do well, as well as areas to improve upon. I
want each learner to be successful and empower them to become accountable for their own learning.
I hold high expectations for each learner, and I expect them to hold high expectations for me.
I want each learner to put forth their best effort. I set and communicate high expectations for all learners and am
consistent in upholding these expectations. I utilize a variety of pedagogical strategies to ensure each learner
understands the expectations at all times. In the same manner, I expect learners to hold high expectations for me and
hold me accountable for putting forth my best effort.
I am a lifelong learner and engage in professional development experiences to improve.
I constantly seek ways to improve as a teacher. I maintain active memberships in professional organizations for
educators, attend conferences, read professional literature, and communicate with colleagues to improve upon my
teaching practices. It is imperative for teachers to stay abreast of current trends and teaching practices so they may
meet the unique needs of all learners.