Teaching Beliefs |
TQS: 2 and 6
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The more I immerse myself in the field and examine what it means to be a teacher the more my beliefs continue to develop and transform. With that in mind there continues to be seven main values that guide my how I teach.
Teachers as Guides: I believe teachers do not simply give the students the answer; instead they help guide students in their own exploration of knowledge. As a teacher it is my job to nurture the curiosity of my students in hopes of creating life long learners and critical thinkers.
Teachers as Collaborators: I believe teachers can work together to not only improve their own learning, but also the learning of their students. By working together as a subject, grade, school, or profession, we allow ourselves to grow as professionals and enhance the learning for all students.
Teachers as Risk Takers: I believe teachers should be encouraged to try new approaches for teaching curriculum and managing classrooms. Teachers should not be afraid to fail or make mistakes because this allows for better teaching to occur. By taking risks you are also showing your students it is okay to fail and that this experience is an important part of the learning process.
Teachers as Reflectors: I believe the profession of teaching requires educators to be constantly reflecting on their practices. Without regular reflection, even if informal, I believe teachers place limits on their own abilities. Through regular reflection teachers can find better ways to manage their classroom, build stronger relationships with students, differentiate more effectively, and plan more engaging lessons.
Students as Whole People: I believe our job as teachers is to not just teach curriculum. We must nurture the whole child and not just the academic mind of a child. By learning about our students and developing relationships with them we are better able to help them grow and learn.
Students as Individual Learners: I believe every student can learn, and they do so in a variety of ways. As a result, teachers must be creative and willing to adapt their teaching strategies to fit the needs of diverse classrooms. We are not teaching one prototype of students, instead we are teaching unique and individual people.
School as a Community: The school is more than just a building. It is a social community that every student should belong to and feel safe in. My students are not just the ones I teach, but every student who enters the school building. My colleagues are not just my fellow teachers, but every administrator, educational assistant, and staff member who works with me to create a safe and supportive community within our school.
Teachers as Guides: I believe teachers do not simply give the students the answer; instead they help guide students in their own exploration of knowledge. As a teacher it is my job to nurture the curiosity of my students in hopes of creating life long learners and critical thinkers.
Teachers as Collaborators: I believe teachers can work together to not only improve their own learning, but also the learning of their students. By working together as a subject, grade, school, or profession, we allow ourselves to grow as professionals and enhance the learning for all students.
Teachers as Risk Takers: I believe teachers should be encouraged to try new approaches for teaching curriculum and managing classrooms. Teachers should not be afraid to fail or make mistakes because this allows for better teaching to occur. By taking risks you are also showing your students it is okay to fail and that this experience is an important part of the learning process.
Teachers as Reflectors: I believe the profession of teaching requires educators to be constantly reflecting on their practices. Without regular reflection, even if informal, I believe teachers place limits on their own abilities. Through regular reflection teachers can find better ways to manage their classroom, build stronger relationships with students, differentiate more effectively, and plan more engaging lessons.
Students as Whole People: I believe our job as teachers is to not just teach curriculum. We must nurture the whole child and not just the academic mind of a child. By learning about our students and developing relationships with them we are better able to help them grow and learn.
Students as Individual Learners: I believe every student can learn, and they do so in a variety of ways. As a result, teachers must be creative and willing to adapt their teaching strategies to fit the needs of diverse classrooms. We are not teaching one prototype of students, instead we are teaching unique and individual people.
School as a Community: The school is more than just a building. It is a social community that every student should belong to and feel safe in. My students are not just the ones I teach, but every student who enters the school building. My colleagues are not just my fellow teachers, but every administrator, educational assistant, and staff member who works with me to create a safe and supportive community within our school.
Teaching Quotes
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself"- John Dewey
"Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy" -Ms. Frizzle |
"Develop a passion for learning…you will never cease to grow"- Anthony D'Angelo
"It is not important how many times you fall, but how many you rise"- Nelson Mandela |
"Think left and think right, and think low and think high, oh the things you can think up if only you try"- Dr. Seuss