Teaching+Philosophy+and+Mission+Statement

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= __Teaching Philosophy and Mission Statement__ =

My philosophy is simple; treat children with compassion and respect and get them excited about learning.I achieve this by ensuring three vital elements are in place:

1.) I establish a mutual environment of trust.It is my belief that trust is an essential element to the development of a positive working relationship.Children deserve respect, kindness, as well as my undivided attention, regardless of the circumstance.By forming meaningful relationships, a deeper desire to learn is encouraged.This subsequently fosters an environment where students feel safe and valued.It allows them to make personal connections to the content being taught and reinforces the idea that knowledge has a real purpose enhancing student’s motivation to learn.

2.) I continually vary the way I present information by creating a community where students learn from each other, as well as from me.Within the classroom, students flourish in an environment where they feel safe, comfortable and where their confidence is developed and fostered.To create this environment, I identify each child’s learning style and adapt lesson plans accordingly.It is absolutely necessary that students realize that although learning requires some risk, the rewards are far greater than the risk involved.Each grade presents vastly different teaching opportunities.Whether it is teaching the most basic skills of letter identification or teaching algebra, the foundation remains the same.Create an environment of trust, differentiate your teaching, and help students create personal connections to the material being taught.I will be one step closer to creating lifelong learners.In my classroom, students learn from a variety of teaching styles (visual, auditory, and tactile), which I incorporate on a daily basis.

3.) I have a well-organized classroom that lays the foundation for effective classroom management.Therefore, an optimal learning environment is created.Without effective classroom management, learning cannot occur.Many students come from dysfunctional families where chaos reigns; this pattern need not be repeated while students are in the school environment.Children thrive in predictable, well-organized environments.I feel it is my responsibility to serve not only as a role model, but also to offer inspiration to students.I will ensure that students are presented with a learning environment that fosters mutual respect.

In closing, after teaching reading to first, second, and third grade students as well as being a fifth grade classroom teacher, working in the field of mental health, being a mother of two school aged children, volunteering in the classroom, and doing many classroom observations, I clearly see the importance of developing a safe, predictable, and happy environment for the children I call my students.The damaging effects that are created by a lack of trust and safety are all too familiar.This is something that I have personally been a witness to during the many years of working with children suffering from mental health issues.Although I realize that I will never be able to personally meet all of the needs of each child, I can promise that I will give one-hundred percent to all of my students, ensuring that they are connected with the resources that will allow them to develop to their full potential.They will know that their voices will be heard and choices will evolve from the voice they are given.