Philosophy of Education

Jaclyn V. Gambino
The whole child comes to school everyday.

I have had previous counseling and preschool teaching experience with children ranging

in age from 2-15. I have a passion for childrens mental health issues and the role they play in a

childs academic success in the school setting. I strongly believe in the whole child approach

that includes the academic and psychological well being of the student. My experience in

counseling and social work, in a school setting, has allowed me to gain knowledge in academic

achievement testing, classroom management, and individual education plans.

The profession of being a teacher starts before any student walks into the classroom on

the first day. A reflective teacher is one who looks for the answers in motivation and self-esteem

starting with their own motivation. Purposeful planning and cultivating activities will create life

long learners. Lessons should spark students to investigate the world around them and teach

them problem-solving skills that can be extended outside of the classroom. Teacher enthusiasm

and motivation is key to student engagement and self-esteem.

It is necessary for teachers to create a safe and inviting classroom environment. When

students feel comfortable, in their environment, they will be better able to express ideas, seek

assistance, and focus on academics. Classroom management is the first focus before lessons

even begin. For some students, school and a teacher may be the only consistency in their lives.

Structure and expectations create a sense of predictability that students need to focus on build

academic skills. Creating a classroom family is important for students to feel respected and

belong to part of group.

 As a teacher, I believe that the best indication of learning is the ability to express

understanding of a subject across multiple contexts. I strive to teach students through modeling

and the use of the information in real world situations. The students ability to express real world

connections indicates not just a concrete understanding of a subject, but how it exists in the

world around them. A reflective teacher will constantly be using formative assessments to plan

and adjust their lessons. Only when the teacher feels that the concept as been taught thoroughly,

should summative assessments be given to students. With strong classroom management, the

teacher should take on the role of a guide and then students will be responsible for their learning

experiences. Students will be able to work collaborative by sharing learning experiences and

expressing their ideas. Learning from other students is a critical piece of the learning experience

in order to assist students to respect others and their ideas.

There should be a variety of teaching strategies implemented during all lessons. Not all

students will learn the same way. Teachers should create engaging lessons that reach the visual,

auditory, and kinesthetic learner. All students should feel that they are valued by including lesson

components that are both culturally and racially diverse. Cultural diversity education creates

learners and adults for a global economy. Differentiation should be utilized to reach all levels and

challenge the students. High expectations for all learners should be incorporated for all students.

The expectations of teachers have a powerful effect on a students behavior and achievement.

English Language Learners and those with special needs should be given high expectations that

include their accommodations and be given equal opportunities to achieve beyond their present

academic and behavioral levels.

The classroom and home connection creates a strong team for a childs educational

success. Parents should be included and invited to participate in their childs experiences in
school. In return, the teacher should be invested and interested in the students life outside the

school building. Those experiences outside of the school building shape the student who sits in

the classroom each day. Parents are the expert on their child and are important to consult during

any academic or behavioral concerns.

All a child needs is that one teacher to challenge and change their view of education.

Students spend a large amount of time in school during the important, formable years of their

lives. With purposeful planning, engaging and hands-on lessons can take place. Professional

development is important in the growth of being a teacher as well. Adapting to new teaching

strategies and research should be continually implemented. A reflective teacher is adaptable to

meeting the needs of each student and a diverse classroom. Being a teacher is more than

teaching academic skills; teachers leave a lasting impression on a childs inner voice and

confidence.