Patrick

Rigby
1006 15th Ave E #2 Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-715-3776 E-Mail: pcrigby@gmail.com

Philosophy of Education:

Education begins and ends with an individual. While it is often thought of in terms of
tests and degrees, an education is the process by which individuals add collective
experiences, knowledge, and understandings upon one another to become an educated
person.

I believe that the power of the educator is to work with a student to construct a
meaningful and developmentally appropriate path for their education. In acknowledging
the personal nature of an education, the process of becoming educated requires a strong
relationship between teacher and student. As a teacher, it is my role to know students.
From a teachers perspective, the knowledge gained from building relationships gives
insight into understandings, skills, abilities, interests and influences. The relationship gives
teachers the structure to add to curriculum to create a personalized learning experience
that meets both civic needs and follows a student driven path. From a students
perspective, a healthy student/teacher relationship offers a similar structure. One that is
flexible yet grounded; a teacher shows students a new path and then helps them navigate
it, but does not walk it for them.

In addition to individual relationships, there exists a classroom. I strive to turn a
classroom into an intentional community. The intentional community of the classroom is a
place of social interaction, teamwork and synergy towards individual and group goals. The
diverse collection of experiences in a classroom give students a regular, safe space to both
learn about other perspectives as well as to share their own. I believe the classroom is the
foundation of a democratic society. In addition, a classroom of students who know and care
about one another help support a community in which students feel comfortable taking
academic risks, knowing that they have a supportive network for moments of struggle and
growth.

School is more than assignments and task completion. Being able to communicate
clearly and effectively and work in teams with group goals and deadlines is a critical
component in contemporary society. Students should be challenged with similar conditions
in school. In addition, they should be challenged with authentic learning experiences with
real work outcomes. When students can see meaning, purpose and measurable outcome,
they are more willing to invest their potential into their work. In my classroom, guided
discussions give students the opportunities to have real dialogue that helps build critical
thinking. Additionally, group assignments prepare students for the communication needs
required in workplaces.


I think school should be fun. Students enjoy succeeding and as a teacher, I help
students turn work into enjoyable value. Students like succeeding! Additionally, a good
spirited classroom with goals and rewards gives students that extra motivation to push
through struggles and finish strong. Laughter and humor are needed in my classroom to
keep spirits high and celebrate the amazing opportunities we are given.