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Philosophy of Teaching
I am a firm believer that all students can learn. However, students “don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” John. C Maxwell When students feel safe and valued in a learning environment, they are more open to receiving and learning information. It is important for educators to have that understanding and create that safe space. In education, we aren't just teaching, we are raising problem solvers that can make a positive contribution to society. It is important that during this process, educators are mindful of those students who could fall through the cracks. When students realize that "fair" does not mean everyone gets the same, but "fair" means everyone gets what they need then more open differentiation can happen. Education should also be a team effort and students should be held accountable for doing their part both at school and at home. There are many moving parts to ensure educational success, and when all the parts work together on behalf of the students, everyone wins.
What is your message to fellow educators?
My message to the profession would be, that when things get tough, as they most likely will, remind themselves of why they decided to become a teacher. Most people would say it's because they wanted to make a difference in someone's life. Focus on making a difference and the many positive aspects of this job, support your colleagues the best you can, and steer away from the negative. "Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadows." Be a lifelong learner, and be willing to apply new concepts that may improve student learning. It's easy to get stuck in a rut of old habits. I used to say, "If it's not broken, don't fix it." This, however, kept me from seeing the changes and trends in education. As I look further, and am willing to be a sponge for new strategies, I am improving my craft each year. Give students the benefit of the doubt that they care about their progress. In John Hatti's research, he found that student accountability makes for some of the highest growth points. Students should get proper feedback from their teachers, document it themselves, like in a data book and be encouraged to find ways to improve. Does this take time? Yes! Is it valuable? Yes!
Other teachers can take this concept of positivity, professional growth and student accountability into their practice by keeping an open mind to new ideas, look for the positive outcomes of collaboration, and finding a method that works for them to help their students be accountable for their learning.
This will greatly impact students by having a positive teacher in front of them each day who is willing to grow and learn as well, and help them find ways to reflect and improve their work and learning.
I conclude my message with this: Teachers are amazing! I will always be in awe of what I watched my profession handle and learn during the COVID pandemic. As hard as it was, it made us all become stronger and we are better for it. We need to rally around, and support one another as we all strive to educate the future.
