My Philosophy
     As I contemplate “my philosophy” as a teacher, people such as Howard Gardner automatically come to mind.However, I quickly realize that when it comes to my very own philosophy it is something so personal that only I know exactly how I want to teach my students.  I do not think I could completely agree with anyone else’s philosophy because I am my own person.  I have my own beliefs and my own desires when it comes to teaching.  I do not even know where to begin, I do not want to forget anything, but I also want to be able to broaden my philosophy once I get out into the classroom and begin experiencing what it means to be a teacher.
     The one thing I am certain I will continue to work on is getting to know my own self.  After block, and student teaching, I am going to take some kind of break by myself, just to get away.  I want to think about what kind of person I am and what kind of teacher I want to become.  I have so much learning to do before I begin teaching next August.  I do not think I will be able to be the kind of teacher I dream of becoming, until I know myself, until I know exactly what it is I want to be giving and teaching my students.  A quote I found by Marci McAdam’s that I truly believe states, “You teach a little by what you say.  You teach the most by what you are.”
    I have always wanted to be a teacher.  I know this has been said many times before, but I love children.  I love being around innocent “little people”, who have the desire and passion to learn.  I want to become a teacher that someone will remember as making a difference in his/her life.  Not just a small difference, but one that will change a child’s life.  I hope to be able to reach every child.  I believe my heart will be with the children who have more difficulties than others learning.  I feel for these children who struggle, and who want to learn so badly but just do not have the ability to accomplish this on their own.  I believe that these children need at least one person who believes in them, because so many times they are just passed through the system because no one wants to deal with them or find ways to help these children.  I will not do this to a child.  I will not fail them.  It is my responsibility to teach these children, not just push them away because I do not know how.  I will find a way to reach these students, and if I can’t I will find someone who can.  I want to be able to touch these children in some way.  I also do not want to be a teacher who labels any child.  I will never listen to any other person who comes to me and says, “Oh my, you have Barry in your class, and he is such a trouble maker.”  I think that is so unfair to a child, failing him before he is given a chance to succeed.  It seems like once a child is labeled by just one teacher, that is it, he/she will be labeled for the rest of the school career.  How fair is this?
    Through my internship experiences, I have realized how important it will be for me to have a dependable behavior management program.  I have seen how easily behavior can ruin a lesson.  My cooperating teacher can spend so much time in one day calling down students.  I know it is impossible to dispel all behavioral problems; however, I do plan on having many behavior management ideas in place.  I do not think any one behavior management program is right for every year.  Each class will be different, and what works for one class, may not work for another.  Through my internship experience, my classroom management class, and previous experiences within the schools, I have many behavior management options that I will use as resources when I begin my teaching career.
    I hope to be the kind of teacher who can handle noise in my classroom.  To me, noise means learning is taking place.  When I am presenting a lesson, I will expect my students to listen to me, but when I am through presenting and it is time for them to explore, I will allow movement and discussion.  “I hear, and I forget.  I see, and I remember.  I do, and I understand.”  This quote is a Chinese Proverb that I really agree with.  How will I know if my students really understand if I do not give them a chance to practice?  I feel that when students move and use kinesthetic, or hands-on-learning, that they will understand the concepts presented at greater depths.  When they are allowed to discuss with either a peer, or myself, that means deeper understanding is taking place.  I sometimes wonder about a classroom that remains quiet all the time.  How much learning is actually taking place?
    I want every child that walks through my classroom door to feel comfortable and feel they are in an environment that is set up for success.  I want my classroom to be inviting.  I will have a colorful classroom with student’s work plastered all over my walls.  Why have students complete work if they are not going to see this work and have a chance to be proud of what they have worked so hard on?  I remember how proud I was to get something hung up in the classroom.  I feel their work will show the children what they are learning more than bought posters or pictures.  I also aim to be organized.  If a room is cluttered, it makes it difficult for the teacher and students.  I want to know where everything is, so I will not waste time looking for something.  I want to arrange the student’s desks in groups, so it will be easier for group work.  I hope to be able to place four or five students in a group.  I feel this way they will be able to help each other.  This way of arranging desks appeals to me more than a class full of rows.  This way everyone is included, and no one is at the back of the classroom.
       These are the ideas I have in my mind when I think about my first year of teaching.  I have many questions that I am sure will be answered by the time August rolls around.  Truthfully, I am scared to death.  I cannot believe that I will begin teaching my own class in just ten months.  I have so much to learn, but I am sure block, internship, and student teaching will prepare me more than I realize at this moment.  One thing I know for sure that will never change, no matter how much experience I gain, is my love for children.  The only thing in this world I can see myself doing, is teaching.  I know once I am placed in a classroom I will begin seeing the faces of children learning and realize that I am helping to shape a little bit of who that child is.  I just cannot wait!!!  One more quote that I have seen many times, yet I still keep going back to is this:  “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”  This is what I want to do, be important in the life of a child.
 

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