Personal Teaching Philosophy My philosophy of teaching has developed throughout my work experience as an assistant teacher for nearly four

years. As I reflect on my beliefs regarding teaching and learning, I find that my mission as a teacher is to develop social and emotional intelligence; to promote positive learning; to spark learner enthusiasm for learning; to provide a safe and respectful place of learning for cultural diversities and diverse learning styles; and to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. To accomplish this in my future classroom, I plan to use a wide variety of strategies learned throughout my work experience and college course work encompassing social and emotional development; and learning through play and experiences. I believe that children learn best when their basic needs are met and when they feel safe. To make my students feel safe in the classroom I will create a safe and positive environment while developing social and emotional intelligence. I will use the methods of Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky A. Bailey to create that safe environment. Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive social and emotional intelligence classroom management program that empowers both teachers and students. (Bailey, page 11). This program trains teachers how to control or take ownership of their emotions so then the teacher can turn around and teach the children how to control their emotions. It starts out by discussing how stress and anger are closely related. Stress releases adrenaline and cortisol into the body, and when these chemicals reach a high level the body becomes tense and rigid. That tension will build and build until the body feels like it is ready to blow thus triggering anger outbursts. These outbursts are quick releases for an overstressed system. (Bailey, page 29) There can be many stresses in a childs life, so Conscious Discipline suggests how to start the day by implementing stress reduction activities. I plan to include these activities in my classroom as part of the daily routine. When children are in a relaxed and stress-free environment, a message is sent to the brain that they are safe. The brain functions optimally

in a safe environment. (Bailey, page 22) I also believe that as a teacher I am building a house of learning for each child. The social and emotional development of a child is the foundation of that house. I desperately feel that this area of development needs the most attention early on in a childs life. When that social and emotional foundation is strong then the child can build on their cognitive development and other areas of development, but if that foundation is underdeveloped and weak then everything else will fall through the crack. It is wonderful that a four year old can count to 100 or is starting to read, but if she only knows to scream and cry when someone takes a toy away from her, all of the counting and reading immediately flies out of the window. Conscious Discipline will give me the tools to not only create a relaxed environment but to empower children to take control of their own emotions. I also strongly believe that children learn best through play and the experiences that are exposed to them. In my future classroom, students will be given the time to become engaged in activities. I also believe children learn best thorough movement. Children were not designed to sit at a desk all day and do worksheets. This does not spark learner enthusiasm for learning. Learning needs to be fun and engaging. I want children to be excited about coming to school. I believe that children learn most effectively by being actively involved in the learning process. Play is a dynamic instrument that provides a variety of ways, teaching strategies and interactions, which support learning across all domains of development. It is important for developing self-regulation, promoting language, cognition and social competence. I believe that children should have the freedom to make as many physical, emotional and intellectual choices within the guidance of an adult whenever possible. It is my intention to provide every child, regardless of race, nationality or creed, with learning opportunities to succeed in an atmosphere of care and of feeling valued. Works Cited 1. Bailey, Becky, A. Conscious Discipline. Oviedo, FL: Loving Guidance, Inc., 2000. Print.