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My philosophy of teaching consists of three major parts: the teacher, the student, and parents. These components are key, because it takes them all, working together, to achieve a quality education. I believe the role of the teacher is to: serve as a role model to students, be a source of encouragement and support, treat each child as an individual, have different ways of teaching to reflect students' different ways of learning, realize that all children are capable and find ways to reach every child, realize that success is different for each child, communicates positively and effectively with students/parents, sees themselves as a partner with students/parents, focuses on fostering self-confidence in children, helps students gain knowledge about things they do not yet know, and provides children with the necessary tools to keep learning on their own. My education with a strong focus on developmentally appropriate practices will help me achieve these tasks, because I am aware of ways to help different types of learners at different levels. As a teacher, I will highlight my students' strengths, while building upon their weaknesses. I will strive to keep the doors of communication open, because I value the opinions of students and parents (parents know their child better than anyone)! Most importantly, I will try to instill in children a love for learning which hopefully they will carry with them the rest of their lives! I believe children play a special role in their own education. Children should be active in their own learning. I will help them achieve this by providing them with choices, hands on activities, and chances to reflect upon their own work/performance. The role of parents is vital for children's well being and success. Education begins at home, and parents are a child's first teacher. Parents should have a positive attitude about learning and school. This will help their child to develop the same attitude, because children learn by observing those around them. Parents should play, read with, and encourage their child to ask questions about the world they live in. If at all possible, parents should volunteer in their child's classroom. This shows the child, and their teacher, that the parent has a genuine and deep interest in their child's education. Most importantly, parents need to be advocates for their child. They should never hesitate to inform teachers about events at school or home that are affecting their child; whether they are good or bad. When all these parts come together a team forms. The world of today is no longer a place where one can go it alone. I'm sure you have heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, the school is a type of village, it is a community, where teachers, family, and students should come together to ensure children receive a quality education. |
