Samantha+Daly

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Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself.  John Dewey

I am working towards my Masters in Elementary Education. I hope to teach either grades 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Ever since I was in kindergarten I loved going to school! I have always enjoyed being in a classroom and loved everything about the school environment. I want my students to be passionate about learning and look forward to coming to school everyday! A school should not be a place where students are scared or uncomfortable. It is my job as a teacher to make each student welcome and discover how to accommodate my teaching style so each one of my students will benefit from my instruction.

The foundation of my philosophy of education is that learning is a continuous process. Our students are not the only learners in the classroom. We, too, learn everyday. We learn from our students, our colleagues, and from our mistakes as teachers. As a new teacher, I will take each year as a stepping-stone towards becoming a better teacher. My philosophy of education defines learning as an ongoing, life-long process. As a teacher, I want my students to understand this concept and know that I am not only making an impact on their lives, but they are making an impact on my life as well. As an educator, I want my students to have the ability to think critically and ask questions. My students should never feel afraid to ask a question in my classroom. Asking questions shows that one is interested in learning more and shows the desire to understand what is being taught. In order for my students to think critically I must relate the material to my students’ lives. By making the material relevant, students will be motivated to learn and participate in class. To make the material relevant to my students it is important to take the time to get to know each and every one of them. It is imperative to understand what they find interesting and how they learn. Some students prefer visual learning, while others can understand the material from hearing it aloud. I believe it is important to understand that each student is an individual and has his or her own way of learning. By creating relative material and catering the instruction to meet the needs of my students, each one of my students will be able to expand their understanding of the material presented in class.

My philosophy of education involves a creative and cooperative learning environment for my students. I think it is important to have group work a few times throughout the school day. Students will be able to collaborate with other peers and complete assignments as a group. This will strengthen their communication skills as well as provide an opportunity to learn from one another. Sometimes students learn better when they have a peer explain the material to them. After a new concept is taught, students can then meet with small groups to complete worksheets pertaining to the new material. As an elementary teacher, I think it is important to read to my students everyday. Literacy development is crucial during the elementary years. Reading circle will be a daily ritual in my classroom. After an opening activity, students can gather on the carpet to hear a story read aloud. When children hear their oral language, they can develop more extensive vocabulary and become better readers themselves. I also think it is essential to introduce students to poetry at a young age. Poetry can be read daily. Poems can be used to open different units or celebrate holidays. Either way, poems or short stories should be read on a daily basis to expose children to literature and encourage a love for reading.

As an elementary teacher, I think it important to use both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced forms of grading. Most districts require traditional testing, but I think it is also important to grade in other ways that require creativity. Especially working with younger children, I will incorporate additional ways of evaluating my students. Students will have group projects, make posters, diagrams and have the opportunity to present in front of the class. I will find time to work with students one-on- in order to get a better understanding on how my students read, comprehend stories and work through problems.

As educators, we are committed to entering the classroom everyday with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. I believe that all teachers must be passionate about their work. Personally, I have always enjoyed being a student and attending school. It is my duty as a teacher to make my students passionate about learning and their education. I will respect my students and expect their respect in return. My philosophy of teaching requires me to always be open for change and improvement on my end of the spectrum. I will always take my students’ evaluations and suggestions into consideration. After all, I am there to help them succeed. As a whole, we will come together to create a positive, fun, and motivating learning environment. 