My New Philosophy
As an educator, it is my duty to ensure that mutual respect is formed between myself and my students in the classroom. I believe that my job is to pave the paths and shape the children of the future. I will guarantee that I exhibit professionalism by being a role model, acting as a guide, and emphasizing social, emotional, and academic growth. Additionally, I will emphasize the importance of being lifelong learners to both myself and my students. I aim to ensure that all of my students end up being productive members of society and are ready for the workforce. I will also assure that all students are included, and I will integrate students with special needs and disabilities into any activity or assignment that proves to be appropriate. I will incorporate technology into my lesson plans, but I will not allow students to lose their basic motor skills. Furthermore, I plan to learn from my students and not be ashamed to do so. I want to create an atmosphere that feels safe and comfortable. Kindness and empathy will be essential practices of my class as well. Using the four domains of planning and preparation, classroom environment, instructional requirements, and professional responsibilities, myself and my students alike will be bound to have a successful year.
Why are you Telling me?
Without planning and preparation, my classroom will lack organization and structure. I must design lesson plans that are interactive and that also go hand-in-hand with the curriculum. If my day or lesson plan does not go as anticipated, then I will have a backup plan. Having an alternative plan is professional and lessens the chance of disaster striking in the classroom as a result of chaos. Additionally, the element of fun will certainly be brought into my classroom. I will implement a weekly show and tell. Students will be able to bring in an item that is meaningful to them. In doing so, they will develop leadership and public speaking skills at a young age. My future students deserve to take pride in something personal that they share with their classmates. To demonstrate further professionalism, I will get to know my students by looking at records and reports from previous classes and teachers. However, I will be sure to not judge or form any assumptions about a student before meeting him or her. I understand that my students will have different learning styles, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Some of my students may have Individualized Education Programs or 505 Plans, and I will accommodate and treat my students with equal respect. Additionally, part of being prepared for the classroom is having necessary items. My ideal classroom will have a first aid kit with Band-aids in case of any potential injuries. I look forward to having a wonderful year with my students and creating a comfortable environment as well.
I Like it!
Classroom environment is a major factor for both the students and the teacher. If my students feel uncomfortable in my classroom, then I will know that I am not doing something right. I want students to feel like their classroom is their home away from home. However, they must still care for school property. I also strive for my students to be bold and to take risks. If my students fail to attempt to try something new, then they are limiting their potential. The classroom should be a place of familiarity, but students must also not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones at times. I will take my students on tours of different areas of the school towards the beginning of the year to confirm that each understands the layout of the school. While my ideal classroom environment sounds wonderful, it will not be perfect. I will send home a questionnaire that students can bring back to school with them. In this survey, students will tell me how I can improve the classroom setting.
Oh yeah? That’s what YOU Think!
The instructional component of the classroom helps students learn about collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills. This will also give them the opportunity to socialize. I understand that the best way to learn is by actually doing. I am a big advocate of problem based learning, differentiation, total participation, and brain-based learning. I also look forward to incorporating technology, such as educational computer games, into my classroom. I will show my students video clips relevant to lesson plans. Group work, turn and talk, and think, pair, and share are ways that students will be able to discuss the material that they are learning with their classmates.
Moreover, Marcia Tate is a key figure in the education world who I admire. She aids teachers in being not only teachers but also students. I hope to get across to my students that teachers are also students. Tate is most associated with brain-compatible teaching, which is a teaching method that I hope to relay to my students. Tate and I share a mutual belief of students learn best and are most productive by actually doing activities, rather than working in a textbook. I will also introduce my students to the KWL chart before teaching a new topic. The acronym stands for “Know, Want to Know, and Learned.” My students will write down what they already know about a subject, following, they will write down what they want to know, and then what they learned. Field trips are also essential, and special, to me. I have fond memories of going on field trips as an elementary school student, and my wish is that my students will eventually have the same flashbacks. I understand that physically traveling to and seeing a place is beneficial in learning about it. If in class we are discussing immigrants coming to the United States, then I would love to actually take my students to Ellis Island so they could experience this history themselves.
Some Philosophies are Clear…
Lastly, my professional responsibilities are pertinent in my ability to teach. The Danielson Model, which encompasses planning and preparation, classroom environment, instructional strategies, and professional tactics, are crucial in my ability to teach and to standards that I am required to meet. I understand that I will be evaluated under these components by administrators and know that it is imperative that I practice the Danielson Model, while simultaneously focusing on the Core Curriculum. Furthermore, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues. I will learn and further develop certain ideas that I have by discussing with others in my field. I also know that I will continue to maintain my membership with certain organizations, such as the New Jersey Education Association. I will learn brainstorming, teaching, strategies, and more by attending professional development workshops. I will try my best to never lose my temper and be patient with my students. I expect my students to treat me in an appropriate manner as well. I must also execute professionalism by being punctual and having the class ready for the day before the school day begins. I am eager to conquer the fascinating world of teaching! My number one motto is that we are all lifelong learners with unique learning styles, and I hope that my future students take this to heart.
