¶ … Educational Philosophy Regarding ESOL Students
Being from the place I intend to teach affords me a special insight into the needs of students, their families, and our communities. I was born and raised in Miami, FL, and attended public schools my whole life. Therefore, I also know what our school system is currently like, how it has changed, and what improvements must be made to better serve our students.
Miami also boasts a uniquely diverse cultural environment, as well as a wide range of income levels. The varied student population in any public school in South Florida demands teachers like me, who create inclusive, challenging, and responsible educational environments. My personal educational philosophy is rooted in my sensitivity to the different needs of the student body.
One of my greatest concerns as a teacher in any South Florida school system but especially in Miami-Dade is addressing the needs of non-native English speakers. To include students whose first language is not English into classroom activities can be challenging, especially without sacrificing the needs of advanced English speakers in the same classroom.
However, I believe wholeheartedly that it is possible to help ESOL students keep up with classroom material and overcome the language barrier without suffering either socially or academically. Research reveals several ways teachers can work within diverse linguistic environments such as cooperative learning.
Because I have two boys of my own who both attend private schools, I also have insight into different pedagogy and educational environments. The philosophies of teachers who work in private schools does not differ greatly from those in public schools but the student body tends to be more homogenous in terms of socio-economic class than it would be in a comparable public school. Wherever I work as a teacher I will be acutely sensitive to the issues related to class including access to technology and other educational resources.
