My Teaching Philosophy
I believe in creating a safe, supportive and positive classroom community that fits the diverse needs of all students. I believe that students need a calm and comfortable, yet stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. It is my goal as an educator to help students meet their full potential in these areas by creating an environment that supports risk-taking, invites the sharing of ideas and encourages self discovery.
My classroom will be a place where all students can learn without the fear of failure and where students can take ownership of their own learning. Thus the values of respect and responsibility will be central in its operation allowing students to develop independence and positive social skills. I believe all students require an individualized approach to their learning, which builds on or draws upon their diverse needs, personal interests and 'funds of knowledge'. My classroom will therefore be a place where all diversities will be embraced and celebrated.
I aim to create a student-centered classroom culture and thus will constantly take the time to connect with each student on a personal level; both in and outside the classroom. I also strongly believe that the respect I show my students is the respect that I will receive in return. I will model and teach my students many skills in order to become competent and positive individuals, including that of tolerance, acceptance and understanding towards their fellow citizens as well as organisation, motivation and self belief.
I maintain that all classroom activities should be engaging and inclusive, as I want to ensure that my students are inspired and motivated to learn, and, furthermore, I want my students to be able to apply their learning to everyday life and thus develop a constant love of learning. I also maintain that parental and community involvement should be encouraged and welcome as education extends beyond the classroom.
I believe learning is constant in everyone's lives and I believe no one ever stops gaining knowledge, thus as a teacher I will learn, develop and reflect with my students to improve their learning as well as to become the best possible role model for them.
"education isn't PREPARATION for life, education is life itself"
-john dewey
LINKS TO THE AITSL STANDARDS FOR GRADUATE TEACHERS:
Standard 1.2: "Understand how students learn"
Standard 1.3: "Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds"
Standard 3.7: "Engage parents/carers in the educative process"
Standard 4.1: "Support student participation"
Standard 6.4: "Apply professional learning and improve student learning"
Standard 1.3: "Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds"
Standard 3.7: "Engage parents/carers in the educative process"
Standard 4.1: "Support student participation"
Standard 6.4: "Apply professional learning and improve student learning"