Personal Teaching Philosophy

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
(Mandela, Nelson). My personal philosophy is constantly adapting and evolving in order for me
to have the greatest impact on my students. Every student I reach out to will help me reach my
goal of changing the world, one student at a time. My personal philosophy consists of: when and
why I realized I wanted to become a teacher, who should teach and be taught, and what I
should teach and how.
When and why should I teach?
Growing up in a family of teachers, I always kept teaching in the back of my mind as a
potential career. I never pictured myself following in my familys footsteps, but it was inevitable
to happen. A few summers ago, I worked for my towns Parks and Recreation Department
teaching children of all ages multiple sports and activities. After having a hands on experience
teaching children, I realized I belonged in the educational system. There wasnt one day that I
woke up dreading my job. I couldnt wait to see my kids smiling faces and the excitement they
brought everyday.
While working for the Park and Rec, I sought out my favorite teacher from high school as
a mentor. He was the first person that acknowledged my talent with children and pushed me to
go into teaching. He believed in me before I believed in myself. My freshman year of college I
finally took his advice and changed my major to Physical Education.
Who should teach and be taught?
To be a great teacher you need to have a positive attitude and a bright smile. Every
teacher varies, but in order to brighten the students day, you must exhibit that energy in
yourself. As long as there is a mutual respect between teacher and student, learning can be
conducted. It doesnt matter what you are teaching or the age of your students, there must
always be respect in the classroom.

There are many attributes to being a great teacher. In the classroom I will make fun and
laughter a priority. Students can learn and grow in an environment they look forward to and
enjoy.
A qualified teacher needs to be competent and an expert in their field. He/She needs to
keep current with the best teaching practices. A teacher always needs to be 100% committed to
to their craft.
Every student deserves the same education no matter their: age, sex, race, religion,
economic status or cognitive abilities. I strongly believe in being an open-minded, kind and
motivational teacher to every student. Our educational system is one of the last places where
everyone has the same opportunities, and I want to continue that philosophy in my classroom.
What should I teach?
With my past experiences and skill set, I belong in the fields of physical education and
health. I am open to teaching any sport, activity, or lesson pertaining to these fields. It is my goal
to educate our youth on personal wellness and how to continue it throughout their lifetime. I can
achieve this goal at any grade level with any student. Everyone has the capability to be
physically active and knowledgeable about his or her personal health.
I have worked with children of all ages, including those with disabilities. There are
endless opportunities to staying active and having fun at the same time. I can teach my students
the basic motor skills involved in individual and team sports. My personal experience playing
quite a few sports as well as coaching will help me connect and engage my students in their
sport. Team sports are not for every student, but I can introduce them to other activities like
archery, kayaking, and rock climbing. My passion for staying active will be passed along to all of
my students and I will encourage them to do the same. I will lead by example and expose them
to multiple activities.
Along with being physically active, students must learn about various health issues,
sexuality, CPR, and other areas of health. I will strive to teach all aspects of health including

their emotional, social, mental, and physical health. We only have one life to live and I believe in
educating our children at a young age about how their body works, and how to take care of it.
There are many children who struggle with understanding their body, and I want to help them in
anyway possible. Just as important as math or reading are pertinent in a childs education, so is
their personal health. I have a passion for teaching these subjects and passing along my
knowledge.
How should I teach?
I will create an open, fun, and safe environment in my classroom. I want every child to
feel comfortable in my classroom and able to express themselves. Not every child is confident
with their skills in sports or about their personal health. I want to build confidence in each and
every child.
When I am teaching I will use any tool necessary for me to teach in a creative way.
Whether that would be going outside for a hike to soak up some vitamin D, or using our
gymnasium and creating fun games everyone can enjoy. I want to encourage my students to
create the education they are striving for and deserve. I will teach them the skills and let them
decide how they use them. You can learn as much from your students as they learn from you.
I want to positively challenge all of my students to their greatest potential. I am aware
and empathetic that my students have different needs and I will make an individualized program
for them to follow. They will take a baseline assessment in order to create personal goals for the
semester to attain. I will also assign them weekly journals to write about their activity levels,
family involvement, healthy eating, and anything else they believe pertains to their personal
wellness. I will also assess them at the end of the semester to see their progress. Through
these assessments I can also evaluate my students completion of the NASPE standards.
I will implement SHAPE America into my curriculum. Their vision is, Healthy PeoplePhysically Educated and Physically Active (SHAPE America). I will collaborate with my
students, coworkers, and administration to incorporate this program into our school district.

Every child needs a well balanced education. I will integrate reading and writing into my
classroom. I will work with my co-workers and teach them ways to keep their students physically
active in their classroom in return. This program is rapidly spreading around the nation and will
benefit all of our students.
I understand I will not see my students every day of the year. I will offer them extra credit
for any extra-curricular they participate in outside of class. It is vital that they demonstrate to me
they are learning in class and applying it to their lives outside of school. I will get the greatest
satisfaction seeing my students apply what they have learned and continue it for a lifetime.
The most important way I can teach is through my own life choices and decisions. I will
be one of my students most influential role models, and must demonstrate my teachings in
myself. I will need to be conscientious of every decision I make in front of my students and
outside of the school setting. Students can learn positive decision-making and behaviors
through observing me.
Conclusion:
My personal philosophy consists of my greatest attributes and how they will positively influence
my students. I have many life goals in my career of teaching and will adapt my philosophy as
the years go on. Teaching is an ever changing career and I will keep up to date with the latest
improvements and innovations. I will strive to maintain my ideals behind my teaching and
incorporate them into my classroom.