My Philosophy of Education

My teaching philosophy is centered upon one overarching idea: my students. The

reason I originally went into teaching and the reason I return to the classroom day
after day is my students. I see myself as much more than just a teacher to my
students, but rather I also see myself as a guide, a mentor, and a step on a ladder for
all of my students. It is my job as a teacher to help my students develop the skills and
knowledge necessary to achieve success in the 21st century in a warm and nurturing
classroom environment.
My role as a teacher is as a guide and mentor for my students. I provide them with the
resources and the setting to achieve true understanding of skills and materials. I
provide them with interactive and engaging materials and technology, relevant
curriculum, and inquiry-based, authentic challenges. I provide this within a classroom
that is safe, warm, and welcoming so that all my students feel valued and safe taking
risks within the classroom. I provide a classroom that values everyone that is a part of
it and that understands that each student brings at least one positive thing to the
table. I accomplish this by building a community of learners within my classroom. I
myself am also part of this community of learners.
My students’ role in the classroom is as an active participant in their learning. In my
classroom, students are doing the learning. They are working hands on with the
materials, creating something or taking something apart. They were working with their
peers to achieve a new level of understanding while developing collaboration skills.
My students are engaged in authentic tasks while developing skills necessary for the
21st century. Lastly, my students are not a group of people who I only know their first
names, their seats, and their test scores from last year. My students are a wide range
of students who do not sit comfortably in rows of compliant children. My students are
messy but are also growing and learning.
My goal as a teacher is to inspire my students to pursue and achieve whatever they
can imagine. I truly see myself as a part of the creation of the new generation. My goal
as an educator is to make sure that this new generation is kind, innovative, and is not
scared to question anything or take risks. I take pride in aha moments and when
students finally see their potential. I wake up every morning and drive to school
because I hope that I am creating another step on my student’s ladder to their
ultimate potential.