Philosophy of Teaching

By Janet. L. Peck

            I believe, that through teaching, I can touch children's lives in a way that most people cannot fathom.  The climate and environment I have for my classroom involves every child.  I incorporate reading, manipulatives, small cooperative group work and individual work.  I praise the students' work but not over do it for the simple fact that the same productivity will gradually slow down.  I will have students proud of their work, and not just looking for my praise.  I will instill creativity in my students and get them interested in at least one area they really have not thought of being interesting before.  I believe if children are given the opportunity to learn in a creative and meaningful way, they will do so.  My main goals in my classroom are to allow children to be children, encourage them to be themselves, and promote learning and group work.  I want all of my students to exit my classroom each and every day having a sense of accomplishment and knowing something they can take with them throughout life.  I strive for each child to know that s/he is special no matter what.

            I believe another important area of teaching, is how it is taught.  The curriculum needs to be related to the outside world through the use of manipulatives and examples.  Allow children to learn on their cognitive level and not push them to be where they are not.  With small groups, I can work with each student on their level and not push the slower ones ahead or hold the higher achievers back.  I want each and individual student to have the opportunity to take with them as much as they can.  My leadership style also plays a part in my classroom environment and climate.  I like to be on the inside looking around instead of the teacher that just stands at the board and views the class of students as a teacher.  I want to learn how a child is thinking the way s/he does and why s/he thinks something.  I believe all of this is incorporated in my classroom environment and climate.

            It is important to look at children in many different lights.  As a teacher, it is my responsibility to identify their learning, social, mental, and physical needs and desires.  By avoiding one part, I cause the whole mountain to cave in.  A child needs all of these areas addressed each and every day.  In my classroom, a child feels part of a community and safe.  I offer assistance, encouragement, and discipline that the children need in order to grow.  Overall, my philosophy encompasses many different areas and each child is seen as an individual.