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Jennifer Doering

Rosemarie Michaels

EDUC 4185

13 March 2017

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy encompasses these beliefs: I believe in student-centered

classrooms, with an emphasis on learning styles and Gardener's Multiple Intelligences because I

believe in every student's individual strengths. Every student is unique and learns and excels in a

different way. I will give students the opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best,

whether it is verbal, visual, or tactile, whenever possible. In addition, I am guided by the

philosophy of Multiple Intelligences, which states that intelligence is truly broken into nine

separate pieces that work together in a different way in each individual. Everyone can grow and

learn these multiple intelligences, although everyone has one or several dominant

intelligences. By teaching my students that they may have a strength in one area, but can grow in

other areas with hard work, I will instill a growth mindset in my students and encourage them to

persevere. In addition, I will do my best to integrate these intelligences when planning

instruction, such as playing a song to reinforce a math concept or introducing a jumping game to

practice spelling.

I also believe in giving each student an equal opportunity, whether or not students take

that opportunity. There are many factors that affect how students approach school; Language,

home life, socio-economic status, and learning differences are just a few. My goal is to

differentiate my teaching so that every student in my classroom, regardless of their background,

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has an equitable opportunity to learn. However, I have learned that sometimes, it just isnt

possible to reach every student. I will give them the tools to succeed, but I will not do their work

for them. I believe that it is each individuals responsibility to succeed and I want my students to

become independent learners, responsible for their own learning.

I believe in creating a supportive, respectful classroom where every person's voice and

background is heard and valued. I will do my best to foster respectful, collaborative group work

and give students many opportunities to work with each other throughout the day. My classroom

rules will center around creating a respectful environment for learning. While I would love to say

that these rules will always be followed, I know that this is not the case. When positive discipline

is necessary, I will start with redirecting language, remind students of expectations, and move on

to harsher consequences when necessary.

I believe that the 21st Century skills of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity,

communication, connections, and culture are essential to the classroom. As I said previously, I

will give students opportunities to work collaboratively, communicate, and value other cultures. I

will also give them opportunities to think critically, be creative, and recognize or create

connections in their learning. I will create integrated units of study whenever possible and will

make subject matter relevant to my students lives. I believe that this is the best way for students

to learn and retain information and skills.

Finally, I will be flexible in the classroom, realizing when something isnt working for

students and correcting the problem. I will live as an example for my students, putting in just as

much effort and work as them. And I will be real with my students, showing my true personality

and passions, especially my passion for reading Harry Potter.