TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I believe that the classroom is a place for the whole child to explore, create, learn, and grow. Each child is so much more than a brain that knows the alphabet or an ear that hears their name - they are a unique individual, developing cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social-emotional skills. I believe in developing all of these skills side-by-side, incorporating physical activity and social-emotional learning into academic lessons. Aside from the importance of teaching the whole child,  I believe in a student-centered classroom, in which learning is hands-on and engaging. Students should experience learning in a variety of ways, including playing, listening, experimenting, creating, and moving. These varied experiences involve all types of learners, address all developmental domains, and give students a multitude of ways to connect with and remember content. All of these experiences should be developmentally appropriate, culturally-relevant, and meaningful in order to effectively educate each child. When the whole child is addressed in meaningful ways, lifelong learners are created.

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The number one rule in my classroom is respect - respect the teacher, one another, the classroom, and yourself. To respect something or someone is to care for them, resulting in treating the person or object in a kind way. Respecting the teacher and your peers includes skills such as listening, sharing, waiting your turn, and using encouraging language. Learning how to treat others with respect is learning how to be a good friend! Respecting the classroom includes learning how to clean up, how to "treat" toys and materials, and how to take care of our space. When we respect an environment, we instill a sense of community among its members, creating a positive and inclusive classroom. Lastly, and most importantly, respecting yourself. This includes trying your best, being open-minded, and using that same encouraging language in your own self-talk. Learning the skills required for respect connect directly with social-emotional development, resulting in an understanding of healthy friendships, positive communication skills, perseverance, and more. Aside from individual development, respect creates a classroom that is conducive to learning, as well as a safe space for creativity and self-expression.

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I view discipline as a way for students to learn and grow, teaching them to be better citizens of the world in my classroom. I take an additive, proactive approach to classroom management, one in which students are given clear expectations from the beginning and are included in the creation of class rules. I think that in order to create a positive learning environment, it is important to "catch students being good" and use positive reinforcement as a way to reward exemplary behavior, showing students that attention comes with doing the right thing. In the event of a disciplinary problem, I believe in pulling students aside to discuss their behavior and together, determining a more appropriate response for the future. Overall, I view discipline as a way to teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

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Education is important to me because I am passionate about working with young children and coming alongside as they discover the big world around them. I love experiencing the world through a child's eyes, seeing the wonder in the simple and feeling excitement over the ordinary. More than that, I love being a positive voice in each child's life, telling them that they are valued and loved for exactly who they are. I love coming alongside each child's journey of self-discovery and independence, helping them say "I can do it," even when that means asking for help. I want students to leave my classroom at the end of the year being more than just academically "ready" for next school year. I strive to instill a love of learning, as well as the skills necessary to cope with its challenges.  I want students to leave my classroom as a better version of themselves, unique and confident about it, so that they can go make the world a better place.