Alanah Carroll

alanahmcarroll@gmail.com

Teaching Philosophy
"Every child deserves a champion that will never give up on them, who understands the power
of connection and insist that they become the BEST they can possibly be. " - Rita F. Pierson

I know students learn best when they have developed positive relationships with their teacher, which is built
on; trust, honesty, kindness, respect, confidence, and positivity. In my professional placements, volunteer
and overseas teaching experiences, I have had numerous opportunities to build relationships with students
in my class. I have done this through conversations and being genuinely interested in each student,
through icebreaker games and learning activities I have built rapport and connection. I have understood
each student, their personality and their hobbies. I will ensure my students feel valued safe and supported
in order to promote a learning environment where students have the confidence to take risks with their
learning. I believe it is integral to create an innovative and friendly environment where the rules,
responsibilities, rewards and consequences are developed as a class and are respected and understood
by all students. These will be constantly reviewed and redeveloped as the class develops throughout the
year.

My teaching practice has grown through not only through my experiences but also my knowledge of
theories and well renowned educators. Abraham Maslows hierarchy of needs has supported myself as a
teacher in creating an environment for students to excel in, as I understand the essential needs each
student requires to have the best opportunity to grow to their maximum potential. I have numerous
strategies to support those students who may not have all the essential needs for learning. I will create and
environment where all students need will be met, and where they can confidently be open, honest and
respected by all.

Throughout my professional experiences on placement a critical area in my own development was gaining
knowledge in the program called Building Learning Power developed by Guy Claxton. This program I have
used through a variety of different classroom settings, which has supported students learning how to learn.
This is an area that I am passionate about, as students need to learn the skills of learning before they can
understand complex topics and learning activities. Throughout lessons I support students working on key
learning skills such as; managing distractions, collaboration, reflection and making links. These skills not
only support the learning in my classroom but also develop students enthusiasm for learning.

My personal passion for teaching has led me overseas to teach in two third world countries; Cambodia, and
Timor Leste. These experiences have influenced my teaching practice, as I now know how important and
valuable education is. I am determined to provide the best educational experience for the students in my
class. I will keep developing my own teaching practice to find strategies that will support the learning needs
of my students.

Through my experiences and wealth of knowledge I know that students learn best when they are in a
stimulated environment with highly engaging lessons. I have used numerous strategies to promote student
learning; design thinking units, inquiry based learning, and visual thinking routines, which have been highly
effective to spark enthusiasm in learning. I have developed lesson and units that use a range of teaching
and learning strategies to promote student engagement. My experiences and education have helped
shape my beliefs as to how I can create a productive and successful learning environment.