Cox 1 Kathleen Cox EDU 360 01 Dr.

Cohan Molloy College Philosophy of Education As I reflect back on my experience working in a classroom with children who have special educational needs, I never realized the great deal of impact it would have on my future. From a young age I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an educator; however, spending ample time with these children guided me to the path of a career in special education. The impact of this classroom has given me a basis of foundation on how I would like my future classroom to be organized. Throughout my observations in that particular classroom, I was able to form a foundation on which I would like my future classroom to operate. It is imperative that I create an environment in which myself and my students are culturally sensitive, and are respectful of others individuality. In other words, I am determined to create an environment in which my students are aware and respectful of any different backgrounds, races, religions, and economic situations that students may come from. Furthermore, my students will be reminded and encouraged to accept and embrace their differences as individuals. I believe that by demonstrating that everyone is unique, I can teach my students that although everyone is

Cox 2 different we can use our differences to work together to succeed and accomplish goals, and overcome obstacles as a team. As a Childhood, Special Education, English Education major, I will be the foundation of teaching my future students language. Reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language are the crucial factors to their future in education and in life as well. I will use the Common Core State Standards to ensure my students are meeting the proper expectations. It is my responsibility to review the Individualized Education Plans for my students. I am responsible for creating handson lesson plans that are tailored to my students; differentiation of instruction is essential to be sure I have met the needs of each of my students. I must make sure that the information that is being taught is not only understood but is retained as well for the students success. As an active reflective practitioner, I will be constantly thinking of ways in which I can better my teaching strategies to guarantee I am taking my students differences and needs into consideration while I create lesson plans. It is key to communicate with my colleagues who have previous experience and will be able to guide me in constantly bettering myself as an educator. Additionally, I will express to my students and their parents/guardians that I am an approachable individual and communication must be kept open in order for me as their teacher to better understand my students and be able to meet their individual needs. It is my passion to help others; as a future educator I am determined and committed to teach my students to respect others and themselves, while providing them with the necessary foundations for their future. As English philosopher John Stuart Mill once stated, Whatever helps to shape the human beingto make the individual what he is, or hinder him from being what he is notis part of his education. It is important to me that as their teacher, I instill the

Cox 3 confidence that each child should have within themselves, as well as the confidence that I will have in their success.