Educational Philosophy - Scott C Jensen

I hold childhood and adolescence critical to preparing for challenges of adult

life and that education is the foundation for a successful transition. School
education provides a natural bridge for this transition and as a teacher my
duty is as a subject specific guide. My practice is based upon honesty, hard
work and kindness. I want to know each student, engage them as I teach to
their individual strengths within the map of State mandated expectations. I
expect each student to work hard, be honest and kind to every member of the
classroom while feeling safe and respected while failing and succeeding.
Math is very cumulative as a subject and consistent hard work is the best
pathway to success. Math is also weaved into many STEM subjects and
many of lifes daily activities involve math including budgeting, spending,
saving and investing and its importance cant be underestimated.
As an educator I must connect the content to students daily life and get them
engaged into learning a subject that is often shunned. My educational
philosophy is surely built on the premise that students learning outcomes are
the most important goal aligned in a safe, positive, encouraging yet
challenging environment. Students must be motivated with content,
encouraged to take risks within a safe environment. They must be allowed to
fail on the way to success. It is critical to engage students, deliver age
appropriate subject content and to differentiate lessons to accommodate all
students while remaining true to the mandated State and local guidelines.
Continuous and varied assessments, often modified to level the educational
challenge, plus lesson plans varied for a multitude of intelligences is one way I
will execute my philosophy on a daily basis.

I practice what I preach and work hard, volunteer and give back my time
to others while constantly seeking to improve myself through self reflection.
Dominican University has prepared me well with pedagogical skills and
instilled a reflective process allowing for growth in my teaching practice.
Teaching at Davidson Middle School has afforded me an incredible
opportunity to learn many aspects of education including the opportunity to
help teach a Spanish speaking class. The daily enlightenment thinking about
English Language Learners, adapting content and delivering Spanish help has
elevated my support of student learning. This is in addition to a deep
connection with some IEP students and their families this semester that has
afforded me insight into the effort and unique nature of making content
accessible to every student. The task is daunting yet aided by the support of
students, their families and the administration.
Finally, I have spent many hours volunteering and tutoring in urban settings
before embarking on my formal teaching education. I have been nominated
for my efforts and I am proud of the relationships I have built across a wide
age and socio-economic spectrum. Equity is not negotiable. My education
and recent experience has honed my belief that teaching is a constant circular
process of assessment, planning, execution and reflection before proceeding
anew with the next learning outcome.