Teaching Philosophy
I believe that each child is a curious, unique, and intelligent individual deserving of an education which gives them a chance to grow and blossom into their fullest potential. As educators, it is our responsibility to create learning environments that stimulate students as learners and facilitates their development academically, socially, and emotionally. In order for educators to create this learning environment, we must prepare classrooms that put children at the center of instruction, that demand and expect high-cognitive and inquisitive thinking and that promote cultural acceptance and awareness.
First, student-centered learning means the teacher must get off the pedestal and let students take the stage. It steers away from educators viewing themselves as just givers of knowledge and students as just vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. Students come into the classroom with valuable insights they’ve gained from past learning experiences and background knowledge from their lives outside of the classroom; educators must draw out that knowledge and show students the way to build off it to learn more. Students should be a part of discussion, lead discussion and make conclusions from their discussions. I believe student-centered learning produces students who see themselves as powerful individuals who have a responsibility in their own learning.
Another important aspect of student-centered learning is creating lesson plans that implement high cognitive demand and inquisitive thinking. Inquiry and problem-based learning does not tell students how to solve problems or give students answers; instead it poses problems that encourage student to ask questions and then gives students the tools they need to create plans that will answer those questions. Students act as investigators and teachers act as facilitators and guides to learning.
Lastly, students will grow and reach their fullest potential when we focus on culturally relevant teaching. Before we can create student-centered classrooms and high-cognitive tasks, we need to know our students. We must learn what their life outside of the classroom looks like, what resources they have at home, and what discourse they have experienced. Students will thrive when their school culture mirrors and celebrates their own and also acts as a window into the lives and cultures of others. I believe this means meeting with parents and spending time with students outside the traditional classroom setting.
As an educator, I believe that students deserve to work with caring and compassionate individuals who strive to give them a well-rounded education that meets their individual needs. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and I will always work to be the best educator I can be.
First, student-centered learning means the teacher must get off the pedestal and let students take the stage. It steers away from educators viewing themselves as just givers of knowledge and students as just vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. Students come into the classroom with valuable insights they’ve gained from past learning experiences and background knowledge from their lives outside of the classroom; educators must draw out that knowledge and show students the way to build off it to learn more. Students should be a part of discussion, lead discussion and make conclusions from their discussions. I believe student-centered learning produces students who see themselves as powerful individuals who have a responsibility in their own learning.
Another important aspect of student-centered learning is creating lesson plans that implement high cognitive demand and inquisitive thinking. Inquiry and problem-based learning does not tell students how to solve problems or give students answers; instead it poses problems that encourage student to ask questions and then gives students the tools they need to create plans that will answer those questions. Students act as investigators and teachers act as facilitators and guides to learning.
Lastly, students will grow and reach their fullest potential when we focus on culturally relevant teaching. Before we can create student-centered classrooms and high-cognitive tasks, we need to know our students. We must learn what their life outside of the classroom looks like, what resources they have at home, and what discourse they have experienced. Students will thrive when their school culture mirrors and celebrates their own and also acts as a window into the lives and cultures of others. I believe this means meeting with parents and spending time with students outside the traditional classroom setting.
As an educator, I believe that students deserve to work with caring and compassionate individuals who strive to give them a well-rounded education that meets their individual needs. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and I will always work to be the best educator I can be.