Spring 2014 Philosophy of Education

Standard #1: Content

I believe that it is essential for the teacher to know all aspects that go into his or her discipline of teaching and be able to present that information in a way that reaches all the students in the classroom. A students understanding of the curriculum partially depends on how well the information was taught, and it must be engaging for the student.

Standard #2: Development

I believe that knowing how your students develop and grow will help a teacher connect with students and help them reach their full potential. The teacher should be able to understand how to develop his or her own personal curriculum to help students develop intellectually, socially, and personally. This will also help create an environment or respect and rapport in the classroom.

Standard #3: Diversity

I believe that all students should be treated equally and respectfully. All students are different and learn in their own way and at their own paces so I will help a student in any way he/she needs to understand the material presented, including those with disabilities and gifted learners.

Standard #4: Instructional Strategies

I believe that teachers should be able to present material to their students in a plethora of ways. Varying lesson plans and strategies helps students maintain interest in the material and develop a love for life time long learning. Additionally, I relate closest to Perennialism and Existentialism. Perennialism, as the teacher is able to present principles that will encourage the students to become lifelong learners. Existentialism, as it discussed the idea of educating the whole student, and nurturing creativity.

Standard #5: Environment

I believe that a positive classroom environment is essential for the students' opportunity to learn. This environment should be inviting, respectful, and safe so the students will feel more comfortable in the classroom setting. If the students feel comfortable, they will be more successful in their education.

Standard #6: Communication

I believe that teachers should be able to effectively communicate with their students both verbally and non-verbally. To achieve this, teachers must use a variety of techniques that are fun, articulate, and interesting to promote an active learning environment.

Standard #7: Instructional Planning

I believe that a teacher should be able to formulate different lesson plans that are appropriate for the specific criteria of the subject, and toward the goal of the curriculum. These lesson plans should be thorough, address national and state standards, and be interesting so the students are able to connect to the material.

Standard #8: Assessment

I believe that a teacher should be able to assess his or her students based on the knowledge he or she has gained about the subject being taught and the students in the classroom. This assessment should challenge each and every student is able to develop intellectually, socially, and physically while taking the course at hand.

Standard #9: Reflection

I believe that a teacher must be able to reflect on the way he/she is teaching students. The teacher should be an active listener and observer of how he or she is teaching while

teaching, be able to be flexible on the ways he/she teaches, and improve each day in order to help his or her students grow intellectually and the teacher grow professionally.

Standard #10: Collaboration

I believe that a teacher should be able to be a part of his/her community and show positive support for his/her students. By doing this, the teacher is helping bridge the gap between the students and parents by getting to know the people of the community better.