Philosophy of Education Narrative

An educator needs to possess a myriad of characteristics in order to be effective. He or she must be creative, fair, caring, and intelligent, among numerous others. But most of all, I feel that a teacher, in order to be exceptional, needs to believe that each and every one of her students has the capability to excel in society. The teacher should work to make this not only a goal, but a reality every day they are inside of the classroom. The teacher should provide the tools necessary so that the student is able to learn and will have the capability to overcome obstacles they may encounter (be it academic, social, or emotional). An educator also needs to create a classroom environment where students of various backgrounds can feel uninhibited to take risks. I will strive to provide a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to be successful.

I am truly passionate concerning the establishment of a classroom community of students that respect and care for one another. If a student is confident that their individuality is honored, then self-doubt and hesitation will not repress the learning process. I want each student to know without any question that they are cared for and that I truly believe in them. I believe I am effective in this for I have the ability to establish a rapport with my students by inquiring about their interests and the events occurring in their lives. It is possible for a classroom of diverse students to become a family of learners, and this can be accomplished through a variety of means. Classroom meetings where students face one another, various activities where the students get to know one another (which I feel should not be limited solely to the beginning of the year), and most importantly, the incorporation of interests and backgrounds into lessons taught. The students need to feel that it is their classroom and a comfortable yet organized atmosphere; this can be done through the addition of student contributions onto bulletin boards and charts, projects and artwork displayed throughout the room, and having the students taking the time to organize their desks and making sure the classroom is void of clutter.

The accommodation of various learners is also crucial in order to be an effective classroom teacher. In this setting, I have had to incorporate and adjust lessons for 27 students, including students with emotional and physical disabilities, students with ADD, and English Language Learners. I have also experienced working with students during Intervention Time, a period of time set aside each day for students struggling with a particular subject, be it geometry terms or correct spelling. I have realized that in order to reach these learners, acknowledging how they will retain the information presented most effectively is not just an ideal, it is crucial. I know that in order to be an exceptional teacher, I must analyze how each student learns and implement effective strategies in order to reach them. Such strategies include incorporating visuals, manipulatives, multiple entry points for problems to be solved, creative attention-getters, and many others.

Classroom management is also critical in order to have a flourishing learning community. I have come to fully realize that successful teaching is not possible without it. I also know that techniques that might have been effectual with one group of students may not necessarily work for another, and if this is so I must adjust accordingly. Classroom management must be fully present from the very first day, because without it learning will deteriorate. Making examples of positive behavior, "I messages" and counting down have been particularly effective in both my Practicum and Student Teaching experiences.

Students must also be held accountable for their learning. I, as a future educator, will hold the utmost importance on individual and whole group goal-setting along with self-motivation. I will hold high expectations on each student to excel and stress that students must demonstrate that they are responsible. Also, students must be able to succeed not only independently but also in a group setting. My students will work cooperatively and adhere to the rules that they will establish for themselves. I do not believe it is acceptable in the slightest to accept anything but the student's best efforts, and I as an educator will stress the importance of being organized, cooperative, independent, and hard-working. Students will have to follow a daily schedule, learn to be flexible if alterations to the routine cannot be avoided, transition from one activity to another effectively, and perform tasks such as daily or weekly jobs.

Most of all, I will create an enjoyable atmosphere, because if this is not established and kept, then learning will not take place. Students should look forward to each day, and the teacher has to provide the necessary means so that this will occur. Humor, creativity, and fun are most certainly a must. Hands-on activities, read-alouds, the incorporation of movement and drama, among other strategies must be used throughout the day. I personally will not simply teach the material, I will configure the best way to make it come alive for the students. Keeping interest level high, allowing ideas to be constantly expressed, and having learning take place at all times and at all costs will be the goals on my mind each day as I walk into my classroom.

Student Teaching Experience Setting

Cooperative Learning This is a lesson developed that centered on students working with one another to develop a final product. Each student contributed to the creation of a set of lyrics and implemented their own thoughts while simultaneously listening to and giving constructive feedback to the ideas of others. This lesson demonstrates my personal belief that learning is enhanced when collaborative brainstorming is encouraged.

Diversity Journal This is a journal entry that describes my reaction to my CT's response to a self-designed Intervention Group mini-lesson to better serve the needs of my ELL students.

Classroom Community This particular excerpt demonstrates my execution of a lesson that aided in the construction of a foundation in order to build a community of learners, which coincides greatly with my belief of the importance of trying to create a safe and open classroom where students have the ability to take risks.