My Educational Philosophy
I believe that all educators should have a passion for learning, as well as for teaching. I hope to become a teacher that is able to teach in a variety of ways to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Students should be able to take what is taught to them and work together to extend their knowledge of the subject. I am a strong believer that all students should learn the mandatory subjects, and more. By teaching beyond what is required, students will have a curiosity and passion to learn more on their own.
From past classes I have found that I have an existentialist point of view; I believe that children should learn not just what is set in front of them, but learn something from all points of view. During one of my group projects I helped create a school’s mission statement that truly sums up how I feel about teaching, it is: “To develop intellectually accomplished young free thinking people with creative minds and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion and leadership to a global society. The school will provide a unique, academic program through which effective educators lead students to take responsibility for learning. We are committed to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse cultures and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the joy and importance of lifelong learning.” Also, I feel that to be a great teacher there must always be an open mindedness in a teacher because they will have to deal with many different situations and many different types of students.
Because I came from a school system that didn’t teach the basics, (like multiplication or any essential subjects) I became a student that was passed on from grade to grade not learning what I needed to. As a kid I didn’t care that I hadn’t learned what I should have, but now that I’m an adult I realize how my life would have been different had I been able to have the proper education. From this and multiple hard times I went through during Elementary School I now know that when I become a teacher I will be able to understand different trials that the children are going though, and I will be a strong adult role model that the kids need.
I hope that I am able to teach in a way that students will have fun and remember everything that they learn. I aspire to stop the cycle of students moving though a school system without having the proper skills to succeed. It is important that each student have the opportunity to learn everything that is available to them.
The style in which I hope to teach is one where students learn from what I teach, but also from what they find themselves. I hope to incorporate computers and a large variety of books so that students can find information on their own, and contribute what they find to other students. I believe that learning from others as well as what you find on your own helps to form intelligent children.
My definition of technology integration is to incorporate technology, such as computers, TV’s or laptops into the classroom. By bringing technology into schools students are able to do school work on their own and find more answers. Allowing students to find information on their own adds to their confidence and allows them to learn more.
Image By: RobShenk