My Philosophy of Teaching

My Philosophy of Teaching

Teaching is a daunting task that I do not intend to take lightly. Becoming a teacher has been a dream of mine for several years. I always knew that teaching would be the career for me, especially when I began working in the school system as a substitute secretary. I loved working in the school environment; coming in contact with children everyday made me realize how much I would enjoy teaching a classroom full of students.

Teachers play such an important role in a child’s life, sometimes being their only source of encouragement and support. As a teacher, I want to know my students – their personality, learning style, and academic level, so I can meet their needs and create the best learning environment possible.

The definition of the word “educate” is: “to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by instruction or schooling.” I believe the key word in this definition is “power.” As a teacher, I must find several ways to unleash that power in a child’s mind; I must motivate, inspire, and encourage my students. “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” (William B. Yeats)

The purpose of education is to teach the basics of knowledge and to challenge each individual to learn. The realization that I will have the power to make a difference in a child’s life is sometimes overwhelming. This remarkable fact gives me a stronger purpose – to be a positive role model for my students. Being an effective teacher is truly an awesome responsibility.

Instead of seeing students as partially full vessels waiting to be filled, teachers should conceive their work as creating learning situations where students can build their own knowledge through an a...

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... and the world of the child.

I plan to graduate from Concord College in the Spring of 2004. After graduation, I hope to begin teaching for the Wyoming County Board of Education. While teaching, I will pursue my Master's Degree at Concord.

I am so excited about one day teaching our children. My goal is to be a positive influence on a child and I cannot imagine anything more important to do with my life than helping children. A quote from Herbert Kohl sums up my feelings of becoming an educator: “I believe the impulse to teach is fundamentally altruistic and represents a desire to share what you value and to empower others. I am not talking about the job of teaching so much as the calling to teach. Most teachers I know have felt that calling at some time in their lives.” My dream is to someday soon fulfill my calling.