Georgia Heraty - Teaching Philosophy

I believe that education should provide each student with equal opportunities to explore and
develop their personal strengths in order to reach their full potential and also to acknowledge their
awareness surrounding their weaknesses. As teachers we must encourage and assist students to explore
who they are, and provide them with opportunities to develop the confidence to take risks and pursue
their dreams and goals. We must also ensure that through the development of these opportunities and
experiences both in and outside the classroom a mutual exchange of trust and respect should be present
between students, teacher and the school community alike.
When we focus on relationships built on a foundation of trust, confidence and motivation,
students will more inclined and inspired to develop and deepened their own values, goals and belies
and therefore retaining information that is presented a positive manner, that will then be relevant and
more meaning. When students feel comfortable, confident and motivate, and in a safe and supportive
environments, students are capable of achieve amazing milestones, goals and new heights. As teachers,
building and fostering the growth of these connections and relationships can be the most rewarding part
of what we do.
This philosophy encompasses the concept that students require the basics tools to become
productive learners, and enables them step out of their comfort zones, experiencing life and learning to
its fullest. When we facilitate and allow students the freedom and space to find their personal sense of
self and well being in the class.
In order for students to realize their full potential, we have the responsibility to create an
environment that is inclusive, safe and open-minded and fun. These ingredients are essential to enable
students to develop the confidence to take risks, to embrace new experiences and deeply understand the
value of learning. Students need to comfortable and gain the confidence and patience to embrace and
accept mistakes and failures, as this is also seen as part of the learning process. In this way, the choices
that students make, both positive and negative, will continue to shape their future and expand decision
making process, with the goal of expanding their horizons and allowing experience a variety of
perspectives.
The learning environment itself, both inside and outside a traditional classroom, will offer
relevant, unique opportunities and challenges from which students can thrive. Through engaging
lessons, current and relevant topics, students thrive on content and information that is applicable to
them and their age demographic. Therefore, it is important to stay current on students areas of interests
and ensure that students learning styles are being taken into consideration. I will ensure that my own
classroom environment will support the notions of safety, encouragement, inclusive and open-minded.
Participation and leadership are two keys to a successful class and a positive learning experience.
Students must feel safe, physically, emotionally and intellectually to be able to learn, create, develop
new experiences, knowledge, meaningful and purposeful learning. The environment must also be free
of judgement and any other biases that may occur, and it is our job as teachers to enforced the
importance of safety and creating and environment that fosters the development of students who are
respectful global citizens.
In order to full achieve and accomplish my teaching goals and to allow this teaching philosophy
to come to life in full breathe, it essential that as a teacher I lead by example and stay true to my
mission and educational beliefs. Therefore I will need to be methodically and confidently refer back to
my teaching philosophy and practices to ensure that my message, lessons, assignments are adhere to
my personal mission as an educator. It is essential I a continue to develop new practices, try new
strategies and incorporated feedback from myself, students, teaching colleagues and administration to
ensure that my teaching practices are evolving and developing as I become a more experienced teacher.
In relation to my teaching philosophy and my specific content areas or teachable, I have a
strong passion for alternative forms of education and believe students can gain an exceptional
experience outside of the confinements of the four walls of a classroom. While this does run true and
possibly more applicable to physical education and/or outdoor education, it can also be implemented
for traditional classroom content. It is essential that in todays society that students continue to
challenge themselves both physically and mentally, trying new experiences and engaging in positive
and life-long forms of physical activity.
My final goal as a teacher is to create a positive, lasting impact on students and for them to look
back after graduation and recall the new and positives experiences they had in my class. I want my
students to remember me as being enthusiastic, empathetic, challenge-seeking, motivating and
confidence instilling. Developing students who are self-starters, work well individual and collaborate
with others in group work effectively. I plan to support my students in their individual learning goals
and facilitate and nurture their individual learning styles, reinforce and challenge their assets and
strengthen their weakness.