If we teach todays students as we taught yesterdays, we rob them of tomorrow.

John Dewey

Philosophy of Education
I read that being a good teacher is like being a good gardener. Good
gardeners are optimistic and patient. They are able to see the potential in
those struggling young seedlings and enjoy watching them grow, develop
and bloom. They give special tender loving care to those few plants that are
struggling and not thriving.

They dont blame the plant when its not

performing well, they check the growing conditions. Is the soil the plant is
growing insuitable or does it need amending? Does the plant need more
water? Does the plant need less water? Does the plant need more sunshine?
Does it need less sunshine? This analogy leads me to understand that there
are so many different ways to teach, varying circumstances to take into
account, and philosophies to apply to each classroom. Just like gardeners,
good teachers develop, plan and organize to know how to plant the
knowledge for all to grow successfully.

I believe that good teaching

requires objectives and goals which seek to implement them. My goals are to
accept the responsibility to support and encourage the unique ways in which
children learn while teaching for understanding, linking students and subject
matter in a responsive curriculum while building self-esteem.
When students are engaged in learning, my responsibility is to lead by
exposing them to new and exciting ideas, show appropriate approaches to
problem solving, point them in the right direction if they go astray, and help
them research and delve deeper if necessary. This I do without regards to
time or location. I believe a good teacher is at times a good leader, and at
times a good facilitator- especially when learning is self-driven or happens
through interactions in informal learning communities. That is why I have an
open-door policy for my students and am often available for consultation

during weekends. I also facilitate the formation of formal and informal groups
when necessary.

Building A Rich Classroom Environment

Sustaining student interest and motivation in learning have an important
place in vision for a rich learning environment.

My goal is to employ a

variety of methods, technology and resources for teaching to promote

sustained

interest

and

enhance

student

learning.

In

creating

this

environment, I recognize the central role of creativity and I engage students

in exploring ideas and issues, challenging traditional assumptions, solving
complex problems, and constructing knowledge rather than just memorizing
it. By using SIPs(Strategic Intervention Problems) for morning work, my
students begin their day with stimulating word problems. I then sustain an
atmosphere of mutual trust where students feel free to take risks and explore
their own thoughts and feelings. Constructive criticism is the norm, and
students benefit from the responses of others. By providing opportunities for
self-direction and leadership my students are able to be self-sufficient and
independent thinkers. This furthers to foster critical thinking and the
opportunity to challenge pre-existing notions. I use a KIM graphic organizer
to increase vocabulary and with a KIM chart the meanings of new words can
be acquired much faster. This is a method of associating a new word with
something that the student is already familiar with. It really personalizes new
words so that students can remember the word meanings more readily.

Fostering Constructive Language

Beyond fostering critical thinking, I endeavor to help my students develop
other
need to succeed in their academic and professional careers. Hence, I
emphasize analysis and communication skills and evaluate students to

reflect this focus.

For example, in addition to exams, I include numerous

writing assignments in all subject areas. I attempt to help students become

better writers by providing detailed comments on their papers that address
grammar, style and organization as well as the logical and coherent
presentation of ideas.

I also require students to complete daily response

papers for Math and Reading. This requires students to respond to Daily
Thinkers, which are critical thinking questions that expand upon the
essential questions for the standard being studied. I encourage students to
become

better

writers

by

providing

detailed

commentary

on

their

assignments. This allows them to understand my expectations so they are

able to work to achieve excellence. I also encourage my students to use their
strategies to solve problems by; accessing prior knowledge, identifying the
question and key words, identifying what you understand and to define
vocabulary, etc. They then learn to speak clearly, whether during class
discussions or in cooperative groups. This helps them to learn to articulate
their ideas in manner that others can understand.

Small Victorys
As a dedicated educator I convince my students they are capable and assist
their parents with understanding their role within their childs educational
process. It is unfortunate, but children do not receive a great deal of
encouragement. If I take the time to connect with each student and praise
the small triumphs, the reciprocal effect is well worth the effort. Cheering on
each small step and pointing out to children their accomplishments, help
them to see that not only what they have done is important, but so are they.
I have found many rewarding moments throughout my teaching career, such
growth both academically and socially. To witness a student who has learned
self-control is an amazing feat. What my students learn will become a part of
who they are for life and is much more than objective knowledge.