Philosophy of Teaching
"My theory is that if I clearly explain the purpose of lessons, establish a safe classroom environment to take risks, promote hopeful thinking, and teach leadership skills, my students will achieve personally and academically."
My Philosophy of Teaching
My role as an exceptional teacher is to prepare my students for a world outside the classroom. Through Project-Based Learning, students will explore real-world challenges by solving problems and participating in simulations that mimic real life. They will reflect, discuss, and discover answers through social interactions. Culture, context, and social nature will be incorporated into the classroom—creating a place where diversity and creativity are valued. My theory is that if I clarify the purpose of lessons (in the beginning or end of the lesson), establish a safe classroom environment to take risks, promote hopeful thinking, and teach leadership skills, my students will achieve personally and academically.
Purpose
I believe in ‘beginning with the end in mind” - Stephen R. Covey. If students understand what is most important and keep this ‘most important picture’ in mind, they will be able to manage each day to be and to do what matters most. Not only will my students be efficient, but also effective when they begin with the end in mind. Therefore, making relevant objectives and purpose of lessons known to my students is important. As a bonus goal, this way of thinking will be second nature to my students when setting their own personal goals.
Risk-taking
Along with clearly defined objectives, it is also important to create a safe environment for students to take academic risks. Students will benefit from an environment that encourages creativity, diversity and participation. An atmosphere where they are not afraid to speak, share opinions, ask questions, make mistakes, and challenge themselves. Students can also explore different learning styles and discover which works best.
Hope
Along with encouraging academic risks, it is also important to encourage hopeful thinking. I encourage students to set goals, to believe that they have the abilities to create pathways to reach it and the motivation to walk it out. I will model this by encouraging my students to set goals, make a list their passions and what is needed to achieve those goals. I believe words are very powerful for learners - they are meant to build; encouraging and positive words will greatly empower them.
Leadership
Lastly, it is important that students understand what leadership looks like and how to identify leadership skills within themselves and others. There are many ways of implementing leadership activities into lessons. For example, assigning a class leader for the day, group projects, mimicking real life situations, and having discussions about valuable aspects of teamwork, support, and communication. Also, I believe giving students opportunities to choose homework deadlines, topics for projects, activities, fundraisers, and events are perfect ways to practice proper planning and decision-making.
What makes a great teacher?
Great teachers set high standards for their students and assume the role of leaders and collaborators to meet the needs of 21st century learners. They build a positive rapport with students, guardians, colleagues, and the community. They continually engage in professional development opportunities, keep an open mind, are willing to learn from others and share ideas, and constantly reflect on their work to improve and become better educators.
Most importantly, I believe great teachers love what they do, are dedicated to their work, and invest their lives in each student. Great teachers have a passion to help others, build leaders, and discover gifts and talents. Great teachers desire what is best for each student. They have faith and confidence and let their students know that they are capable of achieving unimaginable things. They strive to see each student succeed, going well above and beyond to make it happen. Great teachers acknowledge that every student learns differently and at various paces, and therefore, has the willingness to adapt and change to meet the needs of each one.
(Full report is available upon request)
Purpose
I believe in ‘beginning with the end in mind” - Stephen R. Covey. If students understand what is most important and keep this ‘most important picture’ in mind, they will be able to manage each day to be and to do what matters most. Not only will my students be efficient, but also effective when they begin with the end in mind. Therefore, making relevant objectives and purpose of lessons known to my students is important. As a bonus goal, this way of thinking will be second nature to my students when setting their own personal goals.
Risk-taking
Along with clearly defined objectives, it is also important to create a safe environment for students to take academic risks. Students will benefit from an environment that encourages creativity, diversity and participation. An atmosphere where they are not afraid to speak, share opinions, ask questions, make mistakes, and challenge themselves. Students can also explore different learning styles and discover which works best.
Hope
Along with encouraging academic risks, it is also important to encourage hopeful thinking. I encourage students to set goals, to believe that they have the abilities to create pathways to reach it and the motivation to walk it out. I will model this by encouraging my students to set goals, make a list their passions and what is needed to achieve those goals. I believe words are very powerful for learners - they are meant to build; encouraging and positive words will greatly empower them.
Leadership
Lastly, it is important that students understand what leadership looks like and how to identify leadership skills within themselves and others. There are many ways of implementing leadership activities into lessons. For example, assigning a class leader for the day, group projects, mimicking real life situations, and having discussions about valuable aspects of teamwork, support, and communication. Also, I believe giving students opportunities to choose homework deadlines, topics for projects, activities, fundraisers, and events are perfect ways to practice proper planning and decision-making.
What makes a great teacher?
Great teachers set high standards for their students and assume the role of leaders and collaborators to meet the needs of 21st century learners. They build a positive rapport with students, guardians, colleagues, and the community. They continually engage in professional development opportunities, keep an open mind, are willing to learn from others and share ideas, and constantly reflect on their work to improve and become better educators.
Most importantly, I believe great teachers love what they do, are dedicated to their work, and invest their lives in each student. Great teachers have a passion to help others, build leaders, and discover gifts and talents. Great teachers desire what is best for each student. They have faith and confidence and let their students know that they are capable of achieving unimaginable things. They strive to see each student succeed, going well above and beyond to make it happen. Great teachers acknowledge that every student learns differently and at various paces, and therefore, has the willingness to adapt and change to meet the needs of each one.
(Full report is available upon request)