Philosophy:

My philosophy of education has adapted over the span of my career as I have gathered experience, faced challenges, continued my own academic pursuits, embraced the role of technology in the classroom, and built relationships with my students and their families. Earlier in my career I believed that a teacher's role was to directly prepare students socially and academically to best live their life in preparation for a career and a positive role within their community. I was misguided in thinking that education was a means to an end. I now believe that education is a lifelong pursuit. It is a path without an end. It is a way to live life well. My role as a teacher is not tied up with the idea that I have all the knowledge my students need. A true educator shows possibilities, allows for mistakes, encourages student interest, creates opportunities, listens, and then steps aside. An educator is not a sage. I surely do not have all the answers, yet I may be able to teach my students where to find them. My core philosophy is aligned closely to John Dewey's Progressivism which focuses on student centered learning in which active replaces passive, questions are as essential as answers, and experimentation with ideas develop problem solving skills and prepare students towards the continually changing expectations of the future.

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Our classroom is now equipped with a laptop for each student and this change in accessibility has also informed my philosophy as well as improved the academic capabilities and experiences of my students. The laptop is now an essential tool and further allows my students to take ownership of their own education. As a tool it aides in promoting differentiated learning, adapts to learning styles and needs, fosters creativity, connects our students globally, and allows our students to be active learners. Walk into our classroom at any time of the day and you would observe students spread around the room sitting on bean bags, partnering at desks, and laying on rugs. At first it may seem chaotic or noisy, but the commotion is focused, the dialogue is engaging, and the learning is evident in their passion and independence. The 1:1 laptops in our classroom enable students to develop "21st Century Skills" which highlight collaborations, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. 

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My role as an educator would not be as effective without being an active learner as well. I have earned university degrees and certificates to continue my education throughout my career, but I find that learning and inspiration also comes from the daily pursuit to challenge, inform, and ignite the classroom with new ideas and new possibilities. I am always inspired and learning from my colleagues, students, online journals, social media, personal professional development research, and assisting other teachers.

 

I hope the pride I have in being an educator is evident in my teaching.