My Pedagogic Creed

I believe that education does not begin or end, but rather is facilitated in the classroom. The role of the teacher is
not only promoting content comprehension, but helping students make sense of the world around them. Its no
secret that there is a lot going on in the world that is difficult to comprehend, but, especially in Social Studies
Education, there are many different resources and tools that can be used to gather a greater understanding of
the world. For instance, Geography helps us to understand just how large the world us is; history shows us where
we have been in the hopes that we learn from it and do not return. Social Studies really looks at the humanity of
people and regardless of moral judgements, helps students typically see two sides of the same coin.

I believe that in order to best prepare a student to become a well-rounded person they must receive a well-
rounded education that does not compartmentalize but rather integrates many different components into one.
Especially when looking at singular disciplines in Social Studies it is really difficult to not include information from
other subjects within Social Sciences, or even outside of that scope with subjects such as science, math, and
English (as well as many more). We as teachers shouldnt shy away from making connections, but should rather
seek to find connections that can help students understand and think on a higher level.

I believe that a teacher is the most important resource and that their knowledge and the way they present it can
have lasting effects on a student. I also believe, that a teacher can be wrong and make mistakes, but what is key
is owning up to their humanity and not treating it as a shortcoming, but rather as another learning opportunity.
Teachers can be misinformed or misspeak, but in order to be a role model for students once they realize they
were misinformed it is best to address it without shame or embarrassment, but directly. Being wrong every now
and then is okay and that frame of mind should be modeled by educators.

I believe that facts are facts, but interpretations can vary and can add to the classroom in a positive manner if
properly expedited. There is not room in a classroom for hatred or intolerance, but if a students analysis
approaches some topics in a different way than expected, I think it speaks more to diversity in thinking. No two
people will ever see things the exact same way, but we can push students to find common ground and then
branch off during analysis. For instance, concrete numbers cannot necessarily be argued with, but there are
aspects in Social Studies curriculum that allow for creative and free thinking and therefore it should be
encouraged.
I believe that educators work for their students and should work to address their needs. It is tough in large classes
to know exactly what everyone will need, but when it comes to an educators attention I think part of their role
sometimes requires put in that little extra to help a student. I dont believe that there are hopeless students. I
believe that there are just some students that will be easier to connect with for various reasons. However, as their
teacher it is my job to make sure all my students are in a safe environment at school as well as in their home life. I
believe a teacher acts in loco parentis and is there to set up a student for success. That does not mean a
teacher should never allow students for themselves or make mistakes, but rather be there to guide them through
and help them gain independence through experience in a place where the stakes are not really high.

I believe that any student willing that reaches out for help deserves to receive it. However, I also believe it is the
teachers job to gage who may need help and is unable to ask for it. I believe that all students should be
receiving the support they need.

I believe that while it is vital to pay attention to kids that need more support, a teacher needs to be there for all
their students. I believe that the individual growth of a student is more important than reaching arbitrary
standards. Growth allows for every student to be the focus of an educator whereas with testing and standards
those above the goal and those too far below it can be left behind. I think what is most important for a students
education is that they are always moving forward and progressing.

I believe education is created to help maintain and further a society. I do not think it is clich when people say
children are the future, because that is a genuine fact. Education is here to help them prepare for their future
endeavors, all of which will have some sort of effect on the society in which they live. Which is why it is vital for
students to finish their education by having fundamental skills and knowledge to help them succeed in life.

I believe education is for everyone. Whether a student wants to get their doctorate, join the military, go to trade
school, or whatever other path they may be considering it is our job to make sure they will have success in
whatever they choose. I also believe it is our job to help them find the path that is right for them. It is important as
an educator to help erase all types of stigmas, but especially educational stigmas revolving trade schools. Not
everyone will be a doctor, or a lawyer. However, there will always be a need for many occupations that are
oftentimes overlooked, Which is why an educator needs to be versatile so that their students can find their own
identity and work towards their unique futures.

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I believe it is an educators role to engage the student in a way that does justice for the students learning ability,
as well as the material being covered. Differentiation is an important aspect and is something that will make
learning more enjoyable and rewarding for a student. If an educator were to only teach the way they like to
learn they would be acting very exclusionary and would be setting many students up for failure. Which is why it is
important to mix things up and try to reach everyone on a different level.

I believe an important part of education is helping students find their independence, but also helping them
recognize that there are rules that must be followed. I think part of this is helping students work on their leadership
abilities. Not every student will be a natural born leader, but it is my belief that every student has a leader in them.
Every student will have a passion so it is our job to try and figure it out and set them up to excel. For instance, if a
quieter student has a passion for Civil Rights it might be a good idea to have small group discussions and put
them in a group where they are the most knowledgeable about the topic and then facilitate until the student is
in control.

I believe that education belongs to every person whether they want to claim it or not. Education is a right and
should be treated as such. I believe it is my job as an educator to make sure that the student who cannot afford
at $10,000+ /year school still receives an education and the knowledge needed to compete and work with the
student who can afford that. While resources and materials can be bought to further an education I do not
believe that an education should have to be bought for hundreds of thousands of dollars in order for it to be
quality. I believe all students deserve equal and quality educations.

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