Classroom Environment Philosophy Elise Herring

INTRODUCTION:
Through my classroom experience and previous education classes, I have discovered a

variety of philosophies that apply to the act of teaching youth. I identify most with a

constructivist perspective; I condemn socratic questioning and encourage learning through doing.

I believe in reinforcing John Dewey's quote "we learn what we do" and that is the basis for my

philosophy. By introducing substantive conversation in the classroom and embodying a

facilitator of learning, students will become independent, lifelong learners. This is what I believe

the purpose of education is and teachers should concern themselves with teaching students to

reason, communicate effectively, and problem-solve, for mastery of these cognitive principles is

most realistic in preparation for the unknown future that lies ahead. Having many activities

happening in the classroom incorporates all learners, and does not cater simply to visual or

auditory learners. This bounces back to John Dewey's idea that we "learn what we do." By

adding more hands-on experiences, students begin to know based on empiricism. I believe that

experience is the best teacher. In my constructivist perspective, I condemn knowing based purely

on authority; learning because the teacher says so. I have found my interest particularly drawn to

the idea of anxiology, which touches on the fact that the "teacher has an interest not only in the

quantity of knowledge, but the quality of life that becomes possible because of the knowledge"

(Parkay 120). In engaging with students in the aforementioned ways, teachers can build a

healthy, comfortable classroom environment that propels students toward a future of learning

and exploring topics in the world around them. I believe this to be the most effective method

with all students, but is especially helpful in teaching middle grades mathematics, where

relationships built in the classroom are crucial to the development of a metacognitive learner.
Classroom Environment Philosophy Elise Herring

Citation

“Philosophical Foundations of U.S. Education.” ​Becoming a Teacher​, by Forrest W. Parkay,

10th ed., Pearson Education, 2016, pp. 120–120.

5 BELIEF STATEMENTS:

1)​I believe that the role of the teacher is to be a facilitator.

I will lead students toward becoming independent learners by fostering learning and pursuing
their questions and interests. They will not be learning things just because I say so, but they will
know the intentions behind everything they do. Learning styles vary among different students
and a facilitator recognizes differences and uses equity to address their needs to build their
confidence to be a lifelong learner.

2) ​I believe that teachers should approach teaching mathematics in a different way.

In discovering students’ strengths, teachers can condemn the common belief that there are “math
people.” Building a positive relationship and confidence in middle schoolers is crucial to their
success in the classroom. Engaging with parents, introducing new technology or tactiles, or
simply making time for students outside of class to accommodate their individual needs can go a
long way. Different learning styles require different tools and utilizing a variety of ways to create
lifelong learning connections to mathematics is important to letting students know that you are
invested in them.

3) ​I believe that students and teachers will exhibit respect for all.
Students and teachers should exhibit respect for each other at all times. It does not matter the
gender, race, orientation, religion, or any other measure of differentiating between one human
being to another; all people are equal. No idea should be dismissed and no work should be
thrown to the side. All people are working toward a common goal. This includes parents;
showing parents that I respect them and their student makes it a team effort instead of parent and
child against teacher.

4) ​I believe that all students should be held to a high standard.

All students are capable of high achievement. Just because one student comes in at a lower level
or has a hard home life does not mean that the teacher should settle for mediocre work. By
holding all students accountable and making them believe that they are just as capable as their
peers helps them understand that you know they can do better. This also goes hand in hand with
respect. Students will show pride when they achieve higher than they originally thought they
could, which can change their outlook on school and their future.
Classroom Environment Philosophy Elise Herring

5) ​I believe that teachers should concern themselves with things beyond the tests.
Students in math classes across America are great at plugging numbers into formulas and
solving, but they lack the skills and problem-solving skills to think through problems that do not
explicitly state what type of formula is necessary or what steps to take. Knowing this, I will teach
students to think critically, problem-solve, reason, and communicate their ideas effectively.
These skills, in my opinion, equip students for success later in life more than memorization. By
creating high-level cognitive problems for them to solve, I can challenge them to think outside of
simply following directions or plugging numbers in without a second thought.
Classroom Environment Philosophy Elise Herring

Welcome to Seventh Grade Mathematics!

Hello Parents,
Mathematics is commonly believed to be a difficult and boring class geared toward “math students.”
One of my goals for this year is to prove that all students can find success in mathematics and that it can
be fun, engaging, and worthwhile. I have a lot of exciting things planned in an effort to promote
conceptual learning and meaningful experiences. While this year covers a lot of content and can be
difficult, I look forward to the rewarding experiences to come.
Your students will be using technology nearly every day to demonstrate understanding or follow
along with a lesson. If you would like to play around with the online tools at your students’ disposal,
please visit my website: ​http://www.herringstem.com​ and select the period that your student has my class.
All of these tools can be used to complete homework, which is assigned Monday-Thursday and consists
almost entirely of work students did not complete during class time.
A successful learning environment is of the utmost importance to me, and throughout the year I
will emphasize cooperative learning and building a classroom community. This will help students have
the confidence to raise their hand in class and not be afraid of being ridiculed, promote interpersonal
relationships, and reduce the bullying and drama so commonly associated with middle grades. To further
this classroom environment, your student will learn to engage in good study skills, listening skills, and
responsible and respective behavior. In order to allow me to continue this classroom environment, I would
like for you to encourage your student to organize their materials, prepare for class at home, and continue
to uphold the classroom standards. Together, we can build confidence in the students and develop
motivated, lifelong learners that will find success beyond the classroom.
In my classroom:
1. I value students of all genders, ethnicities, religions, races, abilities, and learning levels.
2. Students will show respect for each other as I do to them; we are all here to help each other learn
and all are welcome!
3. All students will be held to a high standard, which will require hard work, but it is because I
believe every single student can achieve to their greatest potential and find success in math.
4. We will all make mistakes and try again, laugh a lot, compliment each other, be kind, and create a
support system that fosters academic and personal growth.

I understand that 7th grade is a difficult year, not only for students, but also for parents. If, at any
time, you wish to speak with me about how your child is doing in class, discuss any concerns you may
have, or help me get to know you and your family, you can email me at erherri2@ncsu.edu or call me at
(919) 417-0552 and I will respond in a timely manner, or we can set up a time to talk in person. I’m so
excited to meet all of you and get to know your student this year!

Miss Elise Herring

B.S. Middle Grades Mathematics Education
North Carolina State University ‘21
Classroom Environment Philosophy Elise Herring

¡Bienvenidos a Matemáticas de Séptimo Grado!

Hola guardián(s),
Se cree comúnmente que las matemáticas son una clase difícil y aburrida dirigida a los "estudiantes de
matemáticas". Uno de mis objetivos para este año es demostrar que todos los estudiantes pueden
encontrar el éxito en las matemáticas y que puede ser divertido, atractivo y valioso. Tengo muchas cosas
emocionantes planeadas en un esfuerzo por promover el aprendizaje conceptual y experiencias
significativas. Si bien este año cubre mucho contenido y puede ser difícil, espero las experiencias
gratificantes que se avecinan.
Sus estudiantes usarán la tecnología casi todos los días para demostrar comprensión o seguir una lección.
Si desea jugar con las herramientas en línea a disposición de sus estudiantes, visite mi sitio web:
http://www.herringstem.com y seleccione el período en que su estudiante tendrá mi clase. Todas estas
herramientas se pueden usar para completar la tarea, que se asigna de lunes a jueves y consiste casi
completamente en el trabajo que los estudiantes no completaron durante el tiempo de clase.
Un ambiente de aprendizaje exitoso es de suma importancia para mí, y durante todo el año enfatizaré el
aprendizaje cooperativo y la construcción de una comunidad de aula. Esto ayudará a los estudiantes a
tener la confianza de levantar la mano en clase y no tener miedo de ser ridiculizados, promover las
relaciones interpersonales y reducir la intimidación y el drama tan comúnmente asociado con los grados
medios. Para promover este ambiente de clase, su estudiante aprenderá a participar en buenas habilidades
de estudio, habilidades de escucha y comportamiento responsable y respectivo. Con el fin de permitirme
continuar con este ambiente en el aula, me gustaría que usted aliente a su estudiante a organizar sus
materiales, prepararse para la clase en casa y continuar respetando los estándares del aula. Juntos,
podemos generar confianza en los estudiantes y desarrollar estudiantes motivados y de por vida que
encontrarán el éxito más allá del aula. En mi clase:
1. Valoro a los estudiantes de todos los géneros, etnias, religiones, razas, habilidades y niveles de
aprendizaje.
2. Los estudiantes mostrarán respeto por los demás como yo les hago a ellos; ¡Todos estamos aquí
para ayudarnos unos a otros a aprender y todos son bienvenidos!
3. Todos los estudiantes serán sometidos a un alto nivel, lo que requerirá mucho trabajo, pero se
debe a que creo que cada estudiante puede alcanzar su mayor potencial y lograr el éxito en
matemáticas.
4. Todos cometeremos errores e intentaremos nuevamente, nos reiremos mucho, nos
complementaremos, seremos amables y crearemos un sistema de apoyo que fomente el
crecimiento académico y personal.
Entiendo que el séptimo grado es un año difícil, no solo para los estudiantes, sino también para los padres.
Si, en cualquier momento, desea hablar conmigo sobre cómo le está yendo a su hijo en clase, discutir
cualquier inquietud que pueda tener o ayudarme a conocerlo a usted y a su familia, puede enviarme un
correo electrónico a erherri2@ncsu.edu o llámeme al (919) 417-0552 y le responderé de manera oportuna,
o podemos programar una hora para hablar en persona. ¡Estoy muy emocionada de conocerlos a todos y
conocer a su estudiante este año!

Miss Elise Herring

B.S. Grados medios de educación matemática
Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte '21