Victoria Walsh

Frame of Reference:
I envision a classroom as a cohesive and safe learning environment for
all students. A safe learning space allows learners to achieve their potential
at their own pace and level. I strive to have an inclusive classroom which will
facilitate students learning, both academically and socially. As a teacher, I
will facilitate learners including their peers during group work and
discussions. The purpose of education is to enable students to be critical
thinkers who are self-reflective, self-motivated and able to practice selfregulation in their learning and actions.
Students need to be empowered to believe that they are capable of
achieving their full potential. A teachers role is to support students through
their educational journey. I will explain to students that no two people learn
in the same way. Leaners should be taught to embrace difference. I will strive
to meet the needs of each and every student by adapting my lessons to
accommodate visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners. Assessment is the
key component to teaching. I hope to allow students to express their
knowledge in the form that best suits their learning style. I drive to make
criteria and expectations clear and concise for learners. I will be open to
accepting assignments in alternative forms such as videos, blogs, artistic
expressions and performing arts. My goal is to be capable of using an
eclectic style of teaching in my classrooms. Lessons will be dynamic and hold
the interest of students.

A classroom should be built on trust. A classroom environment is to be

safe and reassuring for students and guests. As Tory Haden said Safety is
the most basic task of all. Without sense of safety, no growth can take place.
Without safety, all energy goes to defense. Students must feel a sense of
safety before learning can start. This is the job of the teacher to create the
safe environment. I will welcome parents and guardians into my classroom. I
believe in the saying, It takes a village to raise a child. Parents and
guardians have a lot to offer learners, such as reading support, positive role
modelling and personal experiences and stories. I am determined to make it
clear to students that I care about and support their learning along with
believing in their abilities. A teacher sets the tone in a classroom. The task of
managing a classroom is an act of balancing personalities, energy levels and
abilities. I like to think of it as walking a tightrope between structure, rules,
flexibility and understanding. Students thrive when they know what is
expected of them while in a learning environment.
Assessment is a key factor in building a strong teaching foundation.
Not only is self-assessment important, but evaluation by others is a strong
teaching tool as well. I will make self-assessment and peer evaluation a
common practice in my classroom. Students will be able to learn from their
peers as well as assess if they are meaning the expectations giving for an
assignment. I plan on making a regular practice of self-reflection to assist in
my growth as a professional. I will use this reflective practice to better my

teaching and prefect my skills. I will also welcome input by the peers and
students I will interact with.
To me, the pledge I have made to be a teacher means that I have
committed to being a lifelong learner. I will support all my students to the
best of my abilities and create equal learning opportunities for all students.