Running Header: THE SCIENCE VS THE ART: MY BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING ​ 1

The Science vs The Art:

My Beliefs About Teaching

Shelby Hippe

Red Deer College

THE SCIENCE VS THE ART: MY BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING 2

My Beliefs About Teaching

Being a teacher is an extremely rewarding profession, watching your students

grow academically, but also as an individual. Teachers must possess many skills and

qualities in order to be successful at achieving this for all the students they encounter

throughout their career, and when they do deliver on all of these key points of being a

great teacher, it is very clear to all who experience it.

In order to be a great teacher there are two sets different sets of lists you have to

check off; a specific set of skills and a specific set of characteristics. In Alberta, the skills

portion has been outlined in the ​Teaching Quality Standard Applicable to The

Provision of Basic Education in Alberta (​ 1997). In order to become a teacher, you are

required to prove your ability to successfully implement all the skills and responsibilities

in which have been listed. Parkay, Stanford, Vaillancourt, Stephens, and Harris (2010)

say some of the skills usually include things like fair and effective assessment practices,

interesting and effective teaching skills, and a well-organized learning environment.

This could be seen as the science of teaching, which is something that is important and

you must be able to follow, but not what really makes a teacher great; it is the art of

teaching that will set a teacher apart (Dan Walker, Principle of Mecca Glen School,

2016).

The art of teaching is a way of describing the characteristics of a successful

teacher. This is not easily learned in the process of becoming a teacher, as these are

more things that an individual would already possess (Walker 2016). Empathy, respect
THE SCIENCE VS THE ART: MY BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING 3

for the students, flexibility, self-care, patience, sense of humour, collegiality, and a high

level of energy (Parkay et al, 2010) are all characteristics that make up an amazing

teacher. If you were to talk to a student about why their favourite teacher is so great,

they are much more likely to tell you about things similar to this characteristic, over the

skills a teacher must have. For example, my own favourite teachers were all fun and

energetic, very approachable and patient. I never once thought about how well they

evaluated my work. In class we were also given two examples of teachers; one that was a

great teacher, and one that was not. It was very obvious to everyone in the class which

was which. If our class was able to recognize the differences so easily, it is important to

be aware of yourself as it may be crucial in order to obtain a teaching position.

Reflecting on the many aspects of what it is to be a great teacher I was able to use

this information to help build my philosophy. Instead of focusing on the science of

teaching, my philosophy is more focused around the art of teaching. I believe I do

already have many of the characteristics that great teachers show on a daily basis. I will

be able to make a difference in my students​’ ​lives, and I believe that the philosophy I

have developed exemplifies this goal.

I Believe: ​Building a strong, lasting relationship with the young

individuals is crucial in a classroom setting.​ I will get to know all of my students

to allow them to feel comfortable approaching myself in any situation. ​In developing

mutual respect between myself, and my students. ​Respect in the classroom will

help aid in a healthy learning environment. ​If students are given the proper tools,

they will be given the ability to reach their full potential. ​I will provide different
THE SCIENCE VS THE ART: MY BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING 4

technologies and learning tools to assist learning. ​Providing support to the youth

in all areas of life and growing. ​I will always be non-judgemental and show

​ hen students are given a

empathy. I will implement an open-door policy.​ W

positive environment to learn, they will flourish. ​I will develop a safe place

where students are able to be themselves and focus on growing in their education.

Students learn in different ways and may need more time to fully

understand a topic. ​I will use patience, understanding, and flexibility with all my

students in order to allow for proper absorption of information. ​Self reflection is

necessary in order to continue to grow as a teacher. ​I will continually evaluate

myself, my interactions, and techniques to adjust and continue developing myself for

​ tudents stay engaged in a classroom that is fun. ​I

the benefit of my students.​ S

will use humour and high energy to promote higher engagement from my students.

Learning takes place not only in the classroom, but also at home. ​I will utilize

tools that allow my students to contact me with questions to promote continuous

learning. ​Student who are built up can achieve whatever they put their mind

to. ​I will always encourage my students to work towards their goals, both educationally,

and in life.
THE SCIENCE VS THE ART: MY BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING 5

References

Government of Alberta. (1997). ​Teaching Quality Standard Applicable to the Provision

of Basic Education in Alberta ​(Ministerial Order #016/97). AB: Canada.

https://education.alberta.ca/media/1626523/english-tqs-card-2013_3.pdf

Parkay, F. W., Stanford B. H., Vaillancourt J. P., Stephens H. C., & Harris J. R. (2010).

Becoming a Teacher. ​Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Walker, D. (2016, September 21). Telephone Interview.