Philosophy of Education

Every teacher develops methods or ways of teaching in their classroom.  While each school and grade level is different and may have a required curriculum to follow, I believe it is up to each individual teacher to customize their lesson plans to meet the needs of each child.  It is important that teachers realize that not all students learn the same.  A teacher can face several obstacles and different types of learners in a class.  The way a class is conducted by the teacher reflects what is expected of the students.  A teacher must be able to manage their classroom so that children have an orderly classroom to learn and succeed to the best of their abilities.  As a teacher I will be responsible for so much, but I cannot forget what is most important, the success of my students.

            I believe classroom management is the most important and difficult task that a teacher faces.  I must make sure that I create a positive and productive classroom environment.  I must plan effectively and provide a good environment with procedures and rules for my class.  The way students’ desks are arranged can have a great influence over behavior and learning in the classroom.  I think that desks should be arranged so that each student can see all chalkboards, projectors, and any other displays I use in the class.  If students have to move in order to see my lesson, this can cause disruptions in my class.  I should always be able to see my students since observing students is a big part of assessments. As a teacher I plan to be as organized as possible.  I always want to start class on time, have appropriate materials easily accessible, and establish a clear set of rules and procedures for my students.  By doing this, it will ensure that my students know what I expect from them on a daily basis.

            All students learn and think differently.  Each student should be allowed to contribute to the classroom by sharing and gaining knowledge from each other.  Every student is capable of learning the material required of them, but I may have to present it in different ways for different types of learners.  I am a strong believer in Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.  Gardner’s theory states that there are eight types of intelligence; linguistic, logical, musical, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalist.  While I do not believe that it is possible to teach every subject in every form of intelligence, I should present content in as any different intelligence as possible.  I will be aware of all my students’ strengths and weaknesses so that I can help my students understand and learn what best works for them so that they succeed academically and socially.

            Communication with parents is another important part of being a teacher.  The amount of success a student achieves academically has a lot to do with parent coroperation.  I think that students need to know that their success and improvement is important. The best way to show this is by effectively communicating with parents through daily folders, emails, and weekly newsletters.  My weekly newsletter will include lesson topics, procedures, activities, and any upcoming events.  This will help keep parents informed and involved in their students’ class.  Also it will open up the lines of communication between student and parent and teacher and parent.  I will not just speak with parents when something bad happens but also for positive reasons.  I do not want my students and their parents to think talking to me means something bad has happened.  I want my students and their parents to be able to talk to me comfortably and use our conversations to improve student achievement.

            While being a teacher has many different dimensions to it, every teacher develops their own methods that work best for them and their students.  Even though at this time I may think certain methods are important and say, “I’m going to do things a certain way”, once in the classroom that could all change.  I think every year and class will be different and present new challenges.  The best way I can sum up my philosophy of education is simply to remember what my goal is as a teacher, and make sue I reach that goal with each of my students. Learning is power.