Philosophy Statement

I have chosen to teach because I believe that all students have the capacity to learn and to love the process. As a teacher, I dream of grasping each opportunity to impress my own irreplaceable value of lifelong learning upon my students. I believe that educators have the immense responsibility of molding children into capable, compassionate, critically thinking human beings who will enter the world and make it better because of their deep understanding of it. I have high expectations of all students and am committed to supporting and encouraging them in reaching the goals we set together. 

I embrace the idea that one of the most essential factors in student learning is in building positive relationships with each student, in which they are both challenged and supported. My classroom will encompass an environment of respect and will not only be tolerant of differences in opinion and perspective, but will embrace them. I believe in drawing on differences in culture and values to deepen knowledge and make learning relevant. I believe that creating a respectful environment is based on maintaining student dignity and a positive attitude towards each child. I will recognize the whole child in my classroom, and consistently attempt to discover each student’s motivation for learning.

I believe that there is a significant difference between “teaching” and “helping students learn.” I believe knowledge is best acquired when it is made relevant to the daily lives of students. As a result, as a teacher I will strive to integrate subject matter to create meaningful connections between a wide range of academic material and student experiences. I understand that students learn at different paces and in different ways, and it is my duty as the teacher to differentiate to the best of my ability to meet the diverse needs of my students. I embrace child-centered teaching, which allows students to reach a deep understanding of a concept. In that, I believe the teacher has an essential responsibility to guide students in their exploration by challenging them in their thinking and involving all students in meaningful discussions. 

As a teacher, I am dedicated to continuing my own learning and becoming a consistently reflective practitioner. I will use formative assessment not only to evaluate student learning, but to guide the learning process, holding myself accountable for all learning in my classroom.

I understand the importance of creating a sense of community in supporting students in their education. I believe that learning takes place not only within the four walls of my classroom, but in all aspects of a child’s life. I will strive to involve parents in as many aspects of their child’s learning as possible, not only to partner in a student’s struggles, but to celebrate positive progress. I will collaborate with my colleagues to discover ways to best support each student.

“The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.”

John Lubbock

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