Daphnie Peterson

Educational Philosophy
I believe that learning occurs throughout life, in everything we do. The term learning
applies not only in education, but is equally important in terms of social, emotional and
behavioral areas as well. Understanding that each person comes into the classroom with a
different set of ideas and experiences give us the opportunity to learn about diversity.
It is my goal to incorporate these experiences into my classroom. Teaching and learning
are reciprocal processes which as an educator can foster life-long skills both
individually and professionally. I believe by accepting the challenge of educating
exceptional students you will not only help them to develop their minds in terms of
education, but also you will help them develop tools for overcoming difficulties in all
areas of diversity.
My personal belief is that education is one of the most important tools we can access in
our life. Every child deserves to receive the best education possible, regardless of any
special needs. All children carry special gifts inside them and most children dont even
realize it themselves. I believe that those of us who chose to work in this field have
the responsibility and duty to identify those gifts and help bring them to fruition since
they often go unnoticed. Most individuals often focus on the deficiencies of special
needs children; I want to encourage people to not only try and understand these
deficiencies but also celebrate the differences that make each individual special.
Understanding diversity is an important part not only in the classroom, but also as a
member in society and a citizen of the world. There are many different types of people in
the world with different cultures and backgrounds. People should learn from one another
instead of judging others who are different from themselves. I am conscious of students
academic and/or disabilities and will strive to provide them with the tools and services
they need as individuals to succeed not only academically but in society as well. Every
child is part of a community and should be given the opportunity to participate in the
same projects and events as every other community member, regardless of any physical or
mental limitations they may have. I want to be the best advocate for my students to
ensure that they are not only a part of the school community, but especially of the world
around them.
Teaching and learning are reciprocal processes. When teachers foster individual talents
in each child, educators can build self-esteem and may encourage a lifelong skill and may
even learn from the student themselves. The mutual respect for individual skills fosters
a professional academic relationship, leading to a give-and-take educational alliance.
This liaison allows students to feel that they are on equal intellectual ground with
their teachers, thus creating a strong academic atmosphere.
In addition to having a reciprocal relationship with the students, I feel it is equally
important for teachers to form partnerships with other educators. Creating solid
relationships with fellow educators will promote the sharing of ideas and methods and
provide a network of support. By being a part of an educational team, I as a teacher will
continue to develop my craft and give to my students the best education possible.
In choosing to become a teacher, I have made the promise to myself and my future students
to be the best academic, personal, and ethical role model I can be. It is my goal to have
a mutually enriching teaching career by keeping an open mind and continually
communicating with my peers and students. I am prepared to rise to the trials of teaching
in the 21
st
century, and I promise to provide a true, well-rounded education to every
student I have the honor of working with.