Philosophy of Teaching
I believe that...
Classroom management is essential for teaching and learning. Student behavior
must be under control before teaching and learning can occur.
A strong classroom community must be established at the beginning of the year
and strengthened throughout the school year. Students thrive in their learning
when a safe, comfortable environment is in place.
Content should be presented to students in a way that is meaningful and
relevant to students’ lives. Students must be able to connect the content to
their lives beyond the classroom in order for them to see their learning as valuable.
High expectations should be held for all students.
All learning styles should be reached through the use of various activities
and experiences. Student choice and input should be incorporated as much as possible.
Learning should be hands-on as well as minds-on. Learning should be active and interesting.
Teaching should be differentiated in order to maximize the learning potential
of all activities and for students to be successful.
Teachers should express an interest and an enthusiasm about the content that
they teach. This will encourage students to do the same.
Diversity should be embraced and celebrated in the classroom.
Teachers should plan lessons and units that integrate content areas in order
to encourage students to make connections across various concepts.
Teaching should be built on students’ previous knowledge, experiences, and interests.
In the classroom, behavior expectations as well as the reasoning behind these
expectations should be clear. Positive reinforcement is important.
Students should be praised and encouraged. Students should feel appreciated
and should know that their positive behavior and good work are being noticed and recognized.
Every lesson should begin with an introduction where previous knowledge is
activated and the purpose of the lesson is set. Every lesson should end with a
strong closure in which what was learned is reviewed.
There should be communication between teachers and parents/guardians. It is
important for teachers to inform parents/guardians what is happening in the
classroom and what is expected of their student.
A variety of assessments must be used.
Assessments should be authentic and vary in format and length.
Instruction is based on assessment results. Both formal and informal
assessments must be used throughout units of study as well as at the end of units.
Teachers should immerse themselves in the school community. It is important
to stay informed, attend staff meetings, collaborate with staff members, and
take advantage of professional development opportunities.
Every child is unique; students should be viewed as individuals. Each student
learns in their own way and at their own pace. The teacher must figure out what
is most effective for each student.
As teachers, we teach more than the basic content areas. We teach children to
be respectful and responsible members of society.
Teachers must continue to learn every day. Teachers must reflect on their
practice daily in order to improve it and continue to view learning as a lifelong process.
Teachers are committed to finding the excellence in every child and
enhancing students’ individual potential.
must be under control before teaching and learning can occur.
A strong classroom community must be established at the beginning of the year
and strengthened throughout the school year. Students thrive in their learning
when a safe, comfortable environment is in place.
Content should be presented to students in a way that is meaningful and
relevant to students’ lives. Students must be able to connect the content to
their lives beyond the classroom in order for them to see their learning as valuable.
High expectations should be held for all students.
All learning styles should be reached through the use of various activities
and experiences. Student choice and input should be incorporated as much as possible.
Learning should be hands-on as well as minds-on. Learning should be active and interesting.
Teaching should be differentiated in order to maximize the learning potential
of all activities and for students to be successful.
Teachers should express an interest and an enthusiasm about the content that
they teach. This will encourage students to do the same.
Diversity should be embraced and celebrated in the classroom.
Teachers should plan lessons and units that integrate content areas in order
to encourage students to make connections across various concepts.
Teaching should be built on students’ previous knowledge, experiences, and interests.
In the classroom, behavior expectations as well as the reasoning behind these
expectations should be clear. Positive reinforcement is important.
Students should be praised and encouraged. Students should feel appreciated
and should know that their positive behavior and good work are being noticed and recognized.
Every lesson should begin with an introduction where previous knowledge is
activated and the purpose of the lesson is set. Every lesson should end with a
strong closure in which what was learned is reviewed.
There should be communication between teachers and parents/guardians. It is
important for teachers to inform parents/guardians what is happening in the
classroom and what is expected of their student.
A variety of assessments must be used.
Assessments should be authentic and vary in format and length.
Instruction is based on assessment results. Both formal and informal
assessments must be used throughout units of study as well as at the end of units.
Teachers should immerse themselves in the school community. It is important
to stay informed, attend staff meetings, collaborate with staff members, and
take advantage of professional development opportunities.
Every child is unique; students should be viewed as individuals. Each student
learns in their own way and at their own pace. The teacher must figure out what
is most effective for each student.
As teachers, we teach more than the basic content areas. We teach children to
be respectful and responsible members of society.
Teachers must continue to learn every day. Teachers must reflect on their
practice daily in order to improve it and continue to view learning as a lifelong process.
Teachers are committed to finding the excellence in every child and
enhancing students’ individual potential.