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Throughout the years there have been teachers that have resonated with me because of their openness, patience and honesty with myself and other students. Their teaching philosophies are what I will base my teaching philosophy on. The window of opportunity to let a student know there is someone there to be their structure of growth is what I want to exude.

 

My personal goal as a teacher is to challenge students at new tasks and to see them grow as they learn. I want to take students at different levels and see them work together to develop an understanding not only of what is being taught, but also an understanding of each other. Therefore, I believe that group work is the key to having a successful class and it is something that I value, especially with older students. The impact of group work, when students help fellow students, helps each person learn to work together and transforms the atmosphere of the class as a whole.

 

In my classroom, the role of the students will be one that allows the freedom for expression and creativity. Students should be able to experiment with likes and dislikes and to realize their strengths and weaknesses through new and interesting tasks. After a base is developed, the curriculum can be molded to tie in each student’s learning style. My goal for my students is for them to feel a nurturing classroom environment that allows learning in a fun, yet knowledgeable level.

 

I want to teach in a way that has some straightforward instructions, but that also gives students room to grow and expand on their own. At the beginning of the year, it is understandable for the teacher to lead class discussions and hands-on tasks. But throughout the year, students will pose their own questions, try to answer them independently, and also be trusted to work either as an individual or group to get a task done correctly. I feel it is beneficial for students to work on their own, or in a group, with limited guidance for the outcome to a task or problem rather than being told. I feel that it stretches their knowledge, and self-confidence, and teaches them how to find information in a variety of ways. I also feel a key to success is for the class to work on projects to help others. As an educator, it is important not only to help the students that you are teaching but also give them direction to help others.

 

In my classroom, I feel that a student also needs to have a voice. This will help them feel important and understood. There will be times throughout the year that students will be able to choose certain components of the curriculum that they may have a liking or dislike towards. This will also help on my end with assessing different learning styles and abilities of my students throughout the year.

 

I believe that when a student leaves the classroom, that the teaching is not done. There's much to learn at home. I will be giving family involved homework throughout the year so that parents and family members can be aware and involved in what their child is learning at that time. I will be open with my communication with parents as to how their child is performing. I will also focus on giving praise when their child has done well in the classroom because I believe that positive reinforcement can go a long way.

 

As a future educator, it is critical to remember to enjoy the students and everything they have to

offer. Not only can a student learn from me, but I can also learn from them. There is always room for understanding and there is always the power to make a difference in a student's life.