Philosophy concepts and foundations

Teaching Phil

Teachers provide the foundation for future learning in their students. My personal philosophy reflects a professional commitment to making sure this educational foundation is strong, while allowing for flexibility as students grow and mature. My role as an educator enables me to instill in my students a lifelong appreciation for the learning process. The learning process entails critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving opportunities at age-appropriate stages in the students' development. As a teacher, I will provide opportunities for my students to develop their skills of inquiry and analysis at as early an age as possible. Moreover, as a teacher I can facilitate learning in a cooperative, socially stimulating classroom environment. Each child in my classroom is unique, with particular strengths and weaknesses that make each and every student body different. I invite my students to discover and honor their personal potential -- as well as the potential of their peers -- through self-expression and natural inquisitiveness.

Believing that all students have the capacity to learn and develop skills, I shall pay attention to the individual differences among my students. Doing so will allow me as the teacher to work with students with diverse abilities and backgrounds. I will provide my students with the tools they need to create, develop, and express their own story. In all academic areas I provide differentiated instruction wherever necessary, enhancing the curriculum for all students. At the same time, I design lesson plans and assessments that correlate with state standards and benchmarks. I view myself as part of a teaching community, in which all educators play a role in improving our schools, our educational system, and our student's access to the best quality education possible.

Education is a privilege as well as a right. I want my students to look forward to going to school because they appreciate the value of their minds and their power to contribute to society. While each student will respond to school and education differently, all can discover their personal aptitudes in academics, athletics, or the arts. School also provides key socialization functions that helps students learn and grow. As a teacher it is my responsibility to understand the process of socialization and social development in my students. As students become more aware of their personal power, they can apply what they learn in school to outward expressions such as community service, creative endeavors, or athletic performance.