My Philosophy Statement
1. The teacher acting as a guide.
2. Allow the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning.
3. Encourage each student to develop and show their own individuality.
When the teacher's role is to guide, they are providing the students access to information rather than acting as the primary source of the information. The students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover the knowledge for themselves. This also will allow
the students to practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur. Having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests is very important in developing knowledge. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates their passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction related to the students’ interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than one could have ever created or imagined. When students feel like and have ownership in the curriculum, they are more motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals. Helping students to develop and show their own individuality occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a model and choices approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard an environment is created where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue and expression from the students. In a setting which allows the students to be creative and show their interest will help the students’ discover and develop their own identity. In turn they will learn to respect themselves and other individuals while using their individuality to become their own person. For me, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my ambitions as an educator is to inspire a love of learning in my students as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, creative, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am a person who will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.