My Philosophy of Education Webster defines a teacher as one that teaches; especially: one whose occupation is to instruct.

As far as I am concerned this definition does not come close to describing the complex vocation of a teacher. Teaching involves so much more than just instructing. It involves many different aspects of learning, the most obvious type of learning that comes to mind is of course learning about school subjects in the classroom. I believe that a successful teacher is one who feels as if teaching is more than a job, it is a calling. This teacher is passionate about both teaching and their students. Being a teacher comes with many responsibilities and demands because the role of a teacher is multifaceted. The teacher is circulating, redirecting, disciplining, questioning, assessing, guiding, directing, validating, facilitating, moving, monitoring, challenging, motivating, watching, moderating, diagnosing, trouble-shooting, observing, encouraging, suggesting, watching, modeling and clarifying. A teacher is constantly busy while at work; their job is an exciting one. I believe that a passion for children and a willingness to do whatever it takes to provide students with their best chance for education is essential. I have had a passion for middle school students since I was a counsellor at camp. I have always felt that I connect well with that age group and I have the desire to work with them for the rest of my life. I think that middle school students need to be able to connect with their teacher. There are so many changes occurring in their lives during those years that it is important to have a strong adult to confide in, help them, and motivate them to do the best that they can in every aspect of their lives. Although the teacher is an essential part of education, ultimately education should never be teacher focused. Students should be at the heart of education. Students have many needs collectively as well as individually. It is the teachers job to meet those needs. What students need is called developmentally appropriate practice. It is based on the knowledge of children: their social or cultural issues, their interests, their strengths or weaknesses, the things that the children have already learnt, and the things that they will need to learn to meet the curriculum requirements of their grade. It is important to invest in your students. Great teachers are the ones that go the extra mile and pay attention to their students individuality and make appropriate adjustments in the classroom to fit all of the individuals that make up the class. When I was in High School, my favourite teachers were the ones that came to my basketball games. Some of them may not have been interested in basketball, but they were interested in me, and to this day their actions are vivid in my memory. I felt as though my teachers cared about me and that feeling motivated me to want to impress my teachers and work hard for them. I want to be the type of teacher who goes the extra mile to learn about my students and impact them by showing interest in their personal lives as well as their education.

Aside from their education and personal interests, the most important part of a students life is their family. I think that it is very important to find out about a students family life and include the family in the educational process as much as possible. I believe that it is important to speak with the parents about their personal concerns and suggestions about their childs education. I also think it is important to provide the parents with updates and progress reports as their students grow and learn. Many educational studies have been done, confirmed by what I have learned through my own experiences and through the classes I have taken is that learning programs should place an emphasis on what is best for the student. What I believe is best for the student is an active, senses-based exploration of the environment with self-directed, hands-on learning activities mixed with teacher-directed activities. It is also important to have balance between individual and group activities, regular and supportive interaction with teachers and peers, and an equal mix of active movement and quiet activities. It is important for the teacher to provide ongoing observation and assessment, in order to better lessons and activities to meet the students needs. I believe that assessment should come in various forms because every student has a different learning style. I plan on giving students choices and options for how they will be assessed. Projects, tests, oral questioning, research papers, artwork, and role play activities are a few of the assessment strategies that I plan on using. Learning should be a fun experience that is facilitated by the teacher. Students need to develop their own sense of independence, while the teacher acts as a guide. Students should be allowed to experiment and discover new learning with the teacher there to clarify and aid when necessary. Webster missed the mark by stating that a teacher is simply one that instructs. Being a teacher is not a simple job. It is a calling, a multifaceted job with high expectations and even higher rewards. Being able to teach and liberate children to discover their own independence through the power of education and knowledge is not a simple task, but all of the hard work will pay off when the students understand a concept or appreciate the effort that goes into teaching. I believe that my involvement with classroom teaching and my interest in my students personal lives will work together to influence students positively. I believe that through hard work, passion, and dedication I will be able to impact many students lives in the way that so many teachers have been impacted by those that have invested in them.