MY TEACHING PHILOSOPY

Post date: Jun 3, 2015 12:29:16 AM

BY: MARY GRACE B. VELASCO

TEACHER II

BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

I believe in the saying of Henry B. Adams that "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." The role of a teacher in students' lives is a significant one, and my beliefs are fundamental in creating my educational philosophy. Great teachers are the cornerstone of an excellent education, and I have great respect for every individual I teach. Teachers have the very important responsibility of shaping the lives of young, impressionable children. With this responsibility comes great pride and joy. A teacher has his or her own style or way of motivating their students. Motivation plays an important part in a student’s success of learning and development. There are times when teachers spend more time with their students than most parents do, thus, a teacher is fundamental in shaping their students success. Teachers contribute a lot to the totality of a child. As a teacher we must view a child as a total person. The teachers should appreciate the positive aspect of a child and not always criticizing the negative side of a child. We should be a good model to them so that they will grow as good citizens.

My educational philosophy is composed of fundamental components. First, my educational philosophy was based upon the concept that we as educators, regardless of subject specialization, are teachers of life. Life is full of challenges, and we should learn from those challenges. Learning is a life-long process. Learning is not only in the four walls of the room. We must prepare them to be a good citizen of our country. My second component centers on my students and creating an appropriate learning environment in and out of the classroom. It is my job as an educator to create a safe and positive learning environment and to facilitate students taking responsibility for their own education. I strive to create a place where my students know I sincerely care about them. I want them to benefit from my experience, knowledge, and interests, but, even more, I want to teach them to find and satisfy their own passions. I encourage students to search for their passions, and I will help guide them on their search to success and happiness. I do not want to be strictly an authority figure. I am there for advising and mentoring; for listening to their needs and problems; and for an adult’s point of view. As a mentor, I will display strong values and maintain high expectations in order to have a strong impact on my students. I want to be a guide on their journey to adulthood and to inspire and support their dreams while fostering a sense of belonging. As a teacher I should allow them to discover things on their own. Let them explore things on their own but guide them with proper attitude and values.

Learning is the basis for personal growth, and teaching is one opportunity to learn from others. Students possess the desire to learn and share. Each of them has a unique view of the world to offer. I encourage an exchange of ideas between myself and my students. I always consider myself to be a student while I am teaching, so I am the best student in the room. Students have a wealth of experiences to share, and I want my students to know that I am eager to learn from them also.

I believe that the biggest injustice that an educator can commit is to be complacent. Every experience has something to offer us, and if we continually strive to better ourselves as a result of that experience then we are truly educators. According to Socrates "The more I learn, the more I learn how little I know."

I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. Based on my experience I always handle different set of students with different needs .I see to it that I will apply the appropriate strategies for them so they can cope up and easily understand the lesson. In terms of their attitudes every child is unique I never compare the students and scold them in front of other students. As a teacher I need to be keenly aware of the role I play in a student's life. Life offers an infinite realm of learning opportunities, each catalyzing personal growth and expanded knowledge. As an educational facilitator, I need to be a flexible role model who demonstrates an unconditional, consistent acceptance of all my students and continuously seeks to facilitate an education that matches each individual. In my classroom, I will provide a safe, student-centered environment which fosters a respect of individual self-concept and learning style. Everyone has a significant contribution to offer to this world. Wherever I can, I will assist students in their pursuit of their identity adjacent to the broad goals of education. I see to it that teaches not only with their mind but also with their heart. As a teacher I have the power to make it or break it one’s life.

I believe in the saying of Antoine De Saint-Exupery “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly” I feel it is important to believe in what I am teaching. This belief is in fact the very foundation that I speak about regarding previous elements of my philosophy. Without it, each other aspect cannot hold motivation, creativity, character and respect. Students who see a teacher who has passion and belief in what he or she is teaching will be motivated to learn if they have respect for that individual. This earns the teacher credibility as a leader. But this extends to the students as well. It is my job to get them to believe in what they are doing and what they are learning. Making them feel comfortable with their method of learning will help create a positive learning environment for the individual.

Great teachers may be born, but good teachers are made. The ability to become a great teacher—one who inspires students and seems to connect with them effortlessly—is a gift, an innate talent like musical ability or athletic prowess. The very best teachers are those who have the gift and have worked hard over many years to further develop it—although we often overlook the hard work because they make being a great teacher look so easy.