Jessica Walton

Philosophy of Education
At the age of eight years old I was so eager to start the second grade at Norvelt
Elementary. The day I stepped foot into my second grade classroom, I knew exactly what
I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It may sound silly knowing what your future holds
at the age of eight, but I was set on becoming an elementary school teacher. I plan to
impact my students the way my second grade teacher inspired me.
Albert Einstein states, Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability
to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. Every student is not the
same. All students do not learn in the same way. Some students are kinesthetic learners,
some are visual learners, and some are auditory learners. The style of learning differs
from student to student. I will serve all of my students by adapting to meet the individual
needs and learning styles of all students. To reach the wide diversity of children in my
classroom I will assure that each students voice is heard. As the teacher, I am able to see
what is and is not working, allowing me to adjust and monitor accruing to the individual
students needs. To meet multiple styles of learning in the classroom, I can also utilize
different types of assessments. The assessments I create will allow all students to meet
the same objectives. Accommodations and modifications can be added to these tests.
Examples of accommodations I will use in my classroom include: extra time, text to
speech, and closed captioning. My role as a teacher in education is to ensure that each
and every one of my students exceed what they are capable of. Fair isnt everyone getting
the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what he or she needs in order to be successful.
I believe a twenty-first century curriculum must include creativity, collaboration,
critical thinking, and problem solving. Skills like these go hand in hand with preparing
students for bright futures. In the classroom, I plan to integrate project-based learning.

Jessica Walton
Philosophy of Education
This method is a dynamic approach to teaching and is relevant to real world situations. It
allows students to explore real-world problems and challenges. Project-based learning
involves students in active and engaged learning. Students are motivated to achieve a
deeper knowledge of the content. They learn through questioning, inquiry, critical
thinking, and most importantly by doing. A twenty-first century curriculum engages and
challenges students to a higher degree than traditional teaching.
My mission is to ensure that every student achieves success. I will establish a
positive classroom environment at the beginning of the school year by modeling what is
expected from my students. Modeling positive behavior helps to create a respectful
environment where students feel safe. My classroom arrangement will allow me to see
students easily. I will keep high traffic areas free of congestion. Frequently used teaching
materials and student supplies will be readily accessible. I will also collaborate with
Learning Support Teachers and parents to accommodate students special needs. The
desks will be arranged so that students can collaborate with their peers and work in
groups. Cooperative learning allows students to communicate and share ideas. Students
will have the opportunity to assist, learn, and work with their classmates and the teacher.
Haim Ginott states, Ive come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element
in the classroom. Its my personal approach that creates the climate. Its my daily mood
that makes the weather. The weather in my classroom will always be colorful, warm,
and welcoming. The classroom will promote student learning through posters, word
walls, alphabet charts, bulletin boards, and daily schedules. Laptops, iPads, and smart
boards will promote technology. Integrating technology into the classroom is a great way

Jessica Walton
Philosophy of Education
to reach diverse learning styles, encourage collaboration, and prepare students for their
future careers.
Classroom management defines the overall learning environment. It has an affect
on classroom procedures and routines. Momentum is an important factor regarding
classroom management. A classroom that has procedures and flows smoothly enables the
students to learn. In order to create a positive learning environment, my goal is to be
proactive and create a plan to prevent problems from occurring. I will demonstrate
control through listening and explaining rather than placing emphasis on discipline.
Teachers touch childrens lives, but parents are one of the entities that also make a
huge difference. In order to obtain success, a parent-teacher relationship is necessary.
Parents and guardians are viewed as partners. Communication with parents is essential.
Ongoing communication allows the parent or guardian to be involved in their childs
daily progress. I will foster strong professional relationships with my students parents
through telephone calls, emails, quarterly reports, newsletters, and conferences. The
home to school connection is critical towards building successful experiences for
students. Learning should not only take place in the classroom, but at home as well. I
consider it of prime importance that parents be an active part of their childs education.
Education is always changing. Technology continues to make a remarkable
impact on education. It shapes and enhances the learning environment. Smart boards,
iPads, Google Docs, and Apple TV provide students with new opportunities in the
classroom. Students are able to engage and participate in meaningful work while using
technology. I consider technology to be a tool that incorporates cooperative learning,
communication, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and innovation. These are

Jessica Walton
Philosophy of Education
21st century skills students need to demonstrate in the classroom in order to succeed in
their future endeavors.
In the classroom, I will encourage my students to explore and grow. When doing
so, they can value their differences and express their own opinions without the fear of
criticism. Teaching is a life-long learning process and I believe that teachers should not
be alone in educating students. Parents, families, and communities need to work together
to support and enrich the lives of children. Each child is a unique individual who needs a
secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally,
intellectually, physically, and socially.