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Philosophy of Education
My role as a teacher is to foster an environment in which I create a community of learners. I believe in a student-centered approach to education, where teachers step back for a moment and allow students to teach the class with the teacher's guidance. For example, a student may lead a class discussion or go around and help students with a certain subject. A student-centered classroom allows the children to shape a community in which they share their ideas. This creates an environment in which we (teacher and students) are mutually responsible for learning. Teachers teach best when they are willing to listen to their students and learn from them. Students have the ability to help us teach them. A classroom should be an environment that permits trial and error. It is the responsibility of a teacher to make sure that each student feels comfortable taking risks, knowing that he or she will not be derided if they are wrong, where learning is not threatening and where students are respected for their ideas. As a teacher, I will strive to encourage each child to reach for academic success and to have high expectations. All children deserve equal access to the curriculum. As a result all children should be in mainstream classroom or inclusive class. I quote Marian Wright Edelman, “When Jesus Christ asked little children to come to him, he didn't say only rich children, or White children, or children with two-parent families, or children who didn't have a mental or physical handicap. He said, “Let all children come unto me." I want to teach all children because differences of the students contribute to the overall learning experience. All students are rightfully entitled to receive the highest quality education. I will plan instruction according to children’s needs so that students can perform at their own levels, receive the support that they need, and have opportunities to enhance their learning. Many teaching strategies can be effective as long as students’ needs are taken into account. All students learn differently. I will be committed to meeting the needs of all children. I endeavor to help all students learn to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, to build self-confidence, and character. I believe teachers should promote multicultural education. Diversity makes for a full, or complete painting; we must understand that all colors of the painting are equal in value no matter what their color. A teacher who strives to celebrate the values, beliefs, and religions of all people allows children to have a better understanding of diversity and allows minority students to feel appreciated in the education system or school. Valuing the diversity of all students contributes to their overall learning experiences. Many minority students are proud of their culture and as a result, lessons should be enriching and incorporate other cultures, while learning how their contributions add to the American Culture. Multicultural education can bring motivation for students to learn. Learning should be an active process, which helps them define what is true for them and the world they live in. We can encourage and motivate through a student-centered approach. |