My Teaching Philosophy

The motto that sums up my teaching philosophy is, "I am more than just a teacher." In my experience the teachers I remember and respect the most are the ones who actually taught me something. They were passionate about their work and strived to make a difference in every students' life. This is my goal as a teacher. I want my students to learn as much as they possibly can from me. By making learning the material interesting and fun I want them to absorb the information. It is important to me that my students not only respect me and see my passion for the subject matter but also for them to trust me. I believe teachers have a responsibility and an opportunity to be involved in students' lives. They are to be inspirational, encouraging and also demanding. As a teacher I want to be encouraging but at the same time push my students to meet their highest potential. Teachers are responsible for shaping students and I personally want to shape my students in a positive way.

Learning Environment

In my future as an educator I plan on creating a healthy and productive learning environment. The classroom should be a place where a student feels comfortable but also challenged. It is important to me for students to respect me and for them to be able to come to me with any problem. I want to create an environment of equality among students with no differentiation of students based on grades. Since I will be a high school teacher I believe students that age should be held to higher standard. I want my students to be challenged by assignments and by this learn they have the power to accomplish anything. I think a sign of a good class is one where students feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete it. I will be tough but I will always be available for my students. Any help they need I want them to be able to come to me.

Blogging

One aspect of technology I want to use in the classroom is blogging. I think it is important for students to stay connected in the classroom. By having a class blog students will be able to see what is going on in the class. I would want my blog to include a class calendar of tests and projects as well as extra materials to help students learn more on certain topics. I also think it would be interesting to have extra credit assignments posted on the blog to encourage students to keep up with blog. Another possibility could be having student blogs. This could be a cool way for students to write essays and do projects then post them online in easily accessible place. The students would be able to use computers and also learn about blogging. By having assignments due at a certain deadline on their blog outside of class it would teach them to be more responsible with their work. Blogging has been fun and challenging to me. Having assignments due has taught me to keep up with my work so I will not get left behind. This tool would be a great classroom accessory.

Podcast and Videocast

When it comes to projects in the classroom I believe they should be fun and enjoyable. To me projects are areas to express creativity and explore information. Using podcast and videocast in the classroom would be extremely interesting for students. I think it would be informative for students to learn about podcast and videocast and how helpful they are. These two tools could help students learn more about certain topics in a classroom. With this project students would work as a group to do research on a topic then present their findings using a podcast or videocast. The students would not only learn about their own topic but also others when they present them to the class. I believe these tools would be very helpful in the classroom.

Google Docs

Another great tool I plan to use for the classroom is Google Docs. With this students can work and stay connected through a Google network including email and documents. Students can create word documents, presentations as well as other things. It is all online so the students can work from any computer at any time. Also it is free so it will not cost the student extra to use it. When using this students can create a presentation then when they are done they can share it directly with their teacher. It is free, easy and very accessible. Through Google I will be able to create a class network where students can work freely and share their work with other students and me.

Oath As A Teacher

I think every teacher should have a mission statement or an oath. It is important to have a goal before you enter the classroom. As a teacher I promise to put my students first. Their knowledge they gain from my class is my priority and my responsibility. I will always be available for my students anytime they need me whether it pertain to school or anything else. A teacher is a role model for students and I will strive to be one. My classroom will be an equal playing field where no one has special treatment. I will constantly challenge my students to excel in the classroom and to learn more about themselves and their capabilities. I want to make a difference in students' lives and look forward to the opportunity.