Teaching Philosophy Statement

Everyone is a teacher. My teaching career did not begin in the classroom but evolved from a one-year environmental education graduate program that provided a unique combination of academic and practical educational training in Grand Teton National Park. Initially, my focus was on connecting children with the natural world. Through opportunities in the field teaching student groups field science and outreach programs in the public schools, I soon realized I could combine my love for the outdoors and a more formal career in education. Not only did I realize that education in the classroom or “outdoor” classroom is a team effort between student and teacher, but I learned a valuable lesson. My students were as much my teachers as I was theirs.

Thus, my passion for pursuing a life-long career in education had begun.
Teaching is the single most important tool to facilitate change: Students experience changes socially, academically, and emotionally.

Teaching is the only profession that can encompass all three at the same time. While academics is clearly at the forefront of any classroom, and most professional development deals with content and standards, the social and emotional curriculum are of equal if not more importance. I say this because I believe that in order for learning to take place, a student must first feel confident and cared for. It is my primary goal each year to create a safe learning environment where students are comfortable enough to make mistakes and confident enough to continuously give their best effort. While I want students to walk away each day with new information buzzing in their heads, I will be successful even if they only walk out of the door feeling loved and valued. And in order for that to happen, it is important to note, that education is individualized. To connect with students one on one is critical for perpetuating

change.
I love the beginning of a new school year. It’s an opportunity to learn as much as I can about a new group of learners. I believe that every child is a unique individual who brings special skills and talents to our learning community. I begin my mission of connecting to each and every student and learning as much as I can about their interests, readiness, and learner’s profile. I strive to determine how each student learns best in order to design and plan lessons that work best for each student. Once I get to know my students, I can build on students’ strengths.
Students need to set personal goals for their own learning.

They need to be placed “in charge” of their own learning, they need to know what type of learner they are, and how to communicate their academic goals. As an outstanding teacher, I assist students in setting their personal learning goals and thus organize my instruction to meet their goals. I envision great expectations for all students. All students are learners and all students want to learn. It is my job to provide the level of assistance that they need to assist them in becoming lifelong learners and active community members.
Teaching is not only one of the most important professions, but it also can be the most rewarding. Success is not measured solely in test scores and academic growth. True success comes when a student gets excited about grasping a concept, when they demonstrate the values and life skills that you have modeled, and most importantly when the students show a desire to continue to learn independently. There is a lot of responsibility being one of the most influential figures in a child’s life, but there is no greater joy on Earth than being responsible for the growth within a

child.
It is my belief that our goal as educators is not to instill knowledge in students. It is our goal to inspire them to find that knowledge themselves, and then further develop into lifelong learners. This idea, tied in with my own desire to continuously learn new things, has helped me to develop my own teaching style. Passion drives each one of my lessons, and excitement helps facilitate discussion. My beliefs about teaching are tied into everything that we do from how we begin our day to how we work collaboratively together. Our classroom community and environment facilitates respect and sets a foundation for our interactions. While I pride myself on this, the best way I demonstrate my beliefs is through constant modeling and patience. I’m animated, passionate, and determined, but most of all, I’m fair. All of these characteristics play a part in everything from how I deliver a math lesson, to the best way to solve a playground conflict.
I begin each day knowing that the 7 hours they spend with me might be the best part of their day. I have every intention of making each second worth it for all of us. Who we are as educators, is how we will be remembered by our students. I have every intention of being remembered as someone who cared about them.