Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy of constructivism promotes a student centered classroom by having students take
an active role in their learning through formulating their own questions, collaborating with peers, and
allowing for instruction that meets a variety of learning styles. Technology is regularly used within the
curriculum to develop the skills necessary for my students to succeed in the 21 st century along with
gaining critical thinking skills. Daily routines are established to promote consistency and foster a safe
learning environment. My role as a teacher is to serve as the facilitator and to guide students in all core
subject areas through explicit instruction while making modifications when needed. A variety of teaching
methods and strategies are used to aid in meeting the diverse learning styles found within the classroom.
Regular assessments that are formal and informal (observations, field notes, and running records) are
essential in order to monitor students progress, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and identify
their independent and instructional learning levels to provide scaffolded instruction that is tailored to lead
to educational success.
My classroom is a positive community atmosphere that celebrates all accomplishments and forgives
mistakes while promoting academic, social, and emotional growth. Parents are a part of this community
and regular communication is made through weekly newsletters, classroom volunteering opportunities,
and contact when needed.
It is essential that students learning environment is safe, culturally responsive, and is literacy rich.
Students are successful learners when they are in a healthy environment where they are shown respect. It
is essential to not only establish a positive rapport with students, but also to know them and their interests
along with their cultural background and traditions, and include these in the curriculum. When students
see themselves in the curriculum, they are more likely to be motivated to want to learn, leading to more
engaged learning and feeling valued. It is important to provide a literacy rich environment that
emphasizes the importance of speaking, reading, and writing in all subject areas to aid students in
academic growth.
I am committed and dedicated to my students and I believe strongly that a child never fails; only I as the
teacher can fail, and therefore I will not give up until I see success. I have the ability to make a positive
difference in my students lives and when they leave my classroom it is my goal that I not only teach my
students the core subject areas, but also teach them to have a love and passion for learning and reading
and continue to be successful students, future role models, and thoughtful and caring individuals. I also
believe in my own ongoing education, and am working towards a Masters Degree in Literacy Education
with an emphasis in reading.
I am loyal to my students by serving as their educational advocate so they succeed in my classroom
educationally, emotionally, and socially.

Parental contact is important in establishing a

positive and healthy learning environment.
Newsletters are a way to inform parents of
what is presently happening and important in
the classroom.
Grading work pages immediately allows
students to feel valued and gives me as the
teacher a formative assessment to guide my
instruction.