Teaching Philosophy Statement

Teaching Philosophy Statement

Every year I have had a teacher who has always went that extra mile to make sure I thoroughly understood each and every lesson. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a teacher; I want to be like all those teachers who helped me through the years.

One particular teacher who seems to stick out in my mind, is Mr. Scott Vargo. He taught 10th grade Biology and 12th grade Anatomy and Physiology, both of which I took. I have to say I've never met a teacher like him; his teaching style was extremely unique. Every student, who has ever walked through the door of his classroom, has walked out with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment because they walked away with knowledge. Every student Mr. Vargo has ever taught, has bragged on his enthusiasm and devotion to the subjects he teaches.

One reason students call him enthusiastic is because, instead of giving tests, he gives "Celebrations of Success." While passing out the test, he plays the song, "Celebrate!" Everyone down the hall knows when Mr. Vargo is giving a "Celebration of Success" because they hear the music echo throughout the classrooms. Mr. Vargo does not see his tests as a test of one's knowledge, but as a celebration for successfully learning new material. I have to agree with his viewpoint because not only is it a great way to look at tests, but it also takes the edge off the students by celebration rather than testing.

Even though I did not come out of that class with a perfect grade, the knowledge I gained was far more satisfying. By example and experience, Mr. Vargo showed me what it is like to be a great teacher and love doing so. He gave me the determination to be a humorous, compassionate, and well-educated teacher.

After reading about the direct teaching method, I thought that would be a great method to use. In my former high school, this method is used quite often; however, I continued reading about the other methods, and I had recalled these methods also being used.