Teaching
Philosophy
Philosophy
Middle schools and high schools provide a fundamental situation in which to prepare young people for a democratic and civic life. Generation upon generation has reached productive and rewarding adulthood having benefited from their experiences in public school systems. Young people of all backgrounds learn how to be Americans in public schools. Since I influence the way a child thinks, it is vital that I have a personal teaching philosophy that incorporates elements of effective instruction with kindness, caring and humor. I know my influence can last a lifetime. Student-centered instruction in which the student, not me, becomes the maker of knowledge is essential for effective education. I act as a coach and facilitator of learning to promote active involvement of students in their own learning. Also, I understand that my attitude affects the outcome of every lesson. Therefore, it is essential that students believe that I care about them. Connections in learning are made when I am concerned about my students. Finally, assessment should flow from the idea that it promotes learning--it should be about learning, not about catching students in mistakes. Assessment of a student's writing should be an evolving process in which I mark and provide feedback on successive drafts--in effect, assessing the work as the student polishes it into a finished product. I'll leave you with this quote by Plutarch:
"The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education.”