Philosophy

One of my most memorable teachers was one that made me feel like an individual that was a part of a group.  She allowed me to work on things I needed to and showcase things that I did well.   She showed an interest in me, my family, and my interests.  One teacher that had a negative impact on me, assumed I knew things, was never willing to assist me and constantly humiliated me in front of the math class.  Growing up as an Army brat, we traveled all over the world and were exposed to many different teaching styles, expectations and cultures.  I realize that in having this opportunity, I had a passion for helping kids and thought teaching was a great avenue for pursuing that.  I realized that from all of my experiences all over the world that qualities I wanted to instill in all of my teaching methods and the things I hope no student would ever say about me!  I hope that my students see compassion, understanding, firmness, fun, learning and a great support system in my classroom. 

I would fall under a combination of “Pragmatism” and an “Idealist.”  I do feel that education is a priority and a necessary part of life.  I like being in a classroom that is flexible in strategies, teaching methods and even furniture.  I also feel that students need to be challenged and try to use higher cognitive level thinking skills. 

I feel that technology has no way of NOT being in our classrooms of the future!  The generation of students now in schools has had technology around most of their lives.  In the beginning of my teaching career, many of the “older generations” of teachers seemed to be afraid of technology—I choose to embrace it!  The classroom is an environment that I see as students being given the opportunity to express themselves and learn in a diverse way—including technology advancements.  Students now days will have technology in classrooms from a very young age, and in this techno savvy world, should be given opportunities to improve on skills as well as learn new skills.

As a teacher, I would hope that my classroom is one that allows students opportunities to do hands on activities while allowing them times of failure and success, while I am an observer, direction provider and a guide.  I would like my classroom to be a safe environment for all walks of life—every race, religion, sex, and level of intelligence feels welcome, special and loved—all while giving my students  the best educational experience I can offer!

By having this philosophy written down, I will be able to look back on it and adjust it as my ideas grow, expand and change over time.  I feel that it is a goal line that I am shooting for, but I am able to change it as necessary.