Olivia Shluger

Philosophy of Education

All children, regardless of their background or their specific

learning needs, are capable of achieving success. As educators, we have

the opportunity each day to instill a life long passion for learning in our

students, which will help them to achieve success. This eagerness for

learning allows our students to set goals for themselves and overcome

the obstacles they may encounter each and every day. I have chosen a

career in teaching because I believe with the correct academic, social,

and emotional supports, every student is capable of high achievement,

no matter their disability, previous traumatic experiences, or level of

English language.

Erik Erikson theorizes that social and cultural factors, rather than

biological ones, are the major force behind development (Lightfoot, Cole,

& Cole, 2009, 19). Eriksons theory emphasizes the importance of

teachers in students lives and the impact that learning can have on

students. If students are provided with a safe and supportive

environment where they can see their culture and individual differences

as valued, learning will naturally follow. My philosophy of teaching

mirrors Eriksons theory that each child is an individual and with the

necessary supports can succeed within the classroom. All students

deserve to receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment.

Individualized and differentiated instruction is essential in providing

students with fair and appropriate education.

I believe it is imperative that educators recognize that not all

students are alike. Differentiated instruction as an instructional design

model focuses on the specific students being taught, where the students

are being taught, and how the students are being taught. The primary

goal of differentiated instruction is to [ensure] that teachers focus on

processes and procedures that ensure effective learning for varied

individuals (Tomlinson & McTighe, 2006, 3). When differentiated

instruction is integrated into a classroom, the teacher allows all

students, regardless of their specific academic needs, to learn in a

quality-learning environment. Rather than expecting students to modify

the way they learn to fit the curriculum, the instructional model of

differentiated instruction requires teachers to be flexible in their teaching

and to adjust the curriculum and lessons in order to reach each student.

In order to differentiate instruction each day, I believe, as a teacher, I

must understand my students background knowledge, language,

interests, and culture and respond carefully to integrate all of these

factors into my daily instruction.

My philosophy of teaching is also based on culturally responsive

teaching as culture plays a large role in students lives and should be

incorporated into the classroom. As an ELL teacher, I must incorporate

students cultural knowledge and prior experiences in the classroom in

order to enrich students learning experiences. Culturally responsive

teaching enables me to bridge the home life of a student and their school

life, creating meaning behind what is taught and discussed within the

classroom. When culturally responsive teaching is introduced into the

classroom with ELL students, they are able to apply where they come

from to how they fit into their classroom community.

As an ELL teacher, I apply Tracy Terrell and Stephen Krashens

Natural Approach into my teaching each day. This approach claims that
language learning is a reproduction of the way humans natural acquire

their native language (The Natural Approach). I believe by teaching

communicative abilities rather than rigid language structures, my

students affective filters are reduced so they are able to remain

motivated with high self-confidence and low anxiety. Through the use of

visual aids and interesting comprehensible input, my students remain

engaged while acquiring the English language (The Natural Approach).

Ultimately, I want students to feel comfortable and confident when

they walk into my classroom. I am passionate about instilling knowledge

and confidence in all of my students by utilizing their background

knowledge and cultural beliefs. With diligence, I can reach each and

every one of my students regardless of their specific learning needs and

language backgrounds. Each student has the ability to reach their full

potential when provided with the appropriate supports and

accommodations. I intend to encourage my students to use creativity and

to incorporate their home lives into school to reach their goals. It is the

passion and commitment I have to help all students succeed that makes

me dedicated to my profession as an educator.

Work Cited

1. Lightfoot, C., Cole, M., & Cole, S. (2009). The development of

children. New York, NY: Worth.

2. The Natural Approach. (2013, February 23). Retrieved March 14,

2017, from http://www.myenglishpages.com/blog/natural-
approach/
3. Tomlinson, C. A., & McTighe, J. (2006).Integrating differentiated
instruction & understanding by design connecting content and kids.
Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.