Teaching philosophy
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit."
-Robert H. Shaffer.
Teaching is an art and a science. As children grow, their needs for learning grows as well. A teacher is responsible for molding the minds of students, whether that student is in kindergarten or finishing up high school. The job of a teacher is never one that loses it's importance as time passes. Being aware of the importance of this journey will help and aid me as I begin my own journey as an educator.
Students will learn effectively if their minds are open to the wealth of knowledge available for them. Being responsible for student learning is incredibly important. Teachers are able to reflect on student learning to find out what is working for them in the classroom, and what may need some modifying. Schools exist for a reason, and each individual classroom inside that school should be crafted just as carefully as the school itself. The uniqueness of each child must be recognized, and that recognition should be reflected in the way the classroom runs and how lessons are taught. I believe strongly in fostering an independence in each student, pushing them to reach wonderful new heights in their own education, as well as helping them take responsibility for their learning.
Even with taking responsibility for student learning, if one does not have a strong knowledge of pedagogical content, students will not reach their full potential. When I begin teaching in my first special education classroom, I will be required to teach several different areas of content. When I do so, I will teach them as effectively as I am able to and to the best of my ability. I’ll also be using and implementing many different instructional strategies to best maintain my classroom and to engage my students in more ways than just one. In special education especially, the students’ needs must be met, and be met fully. I know the importance of teaching to the individual’s needs, and that no two students will learn in the exact same way. What may work for one student may not for another. Each child, each student, learns differently. A teacher needs to know to teach to each students’ needs, and not to clump them all together with the same style of teaching. The job of an educator is one that changes as the students change, and it is critical that teachers keep up with this change, adapting and modifying to educate each and every student that may come through the classroom door.