Cassady Krinock

My Student-Centered Teaching Philosophy

I desire to be an early childhood teacher because I believe it is a time that children are the

most impressionable and when an educator could have the most impact. I hope to obtain a

special education teaching position in learning support so that I can aid students in working

through areas they have a deficit in. I feel that I will be able to do this because I am comfortable

around young children and enjoy using different strategies to help them learn. I decided to

pursue a career in education after volunteering at my own childs elementary school and then

working in the field.

I think curriculum needs to be individualized to meet each students needs. I do not

believe that all children learn the same, therefor; they should not all be taught the same. I believe

that children learn by doing as well as through text. I think it is more effective to have students

participate in hands-on activities, group discussions, and real world experiences. It is my

philosophy that experiential learning is key as it stimulates learning and reaches multiple

learning styles. There is also importance in preparing students to be socially aware by having

them learn through these social interactions. As the teacher I would act as a guide, planning

curriculum with problem solving skills and logical thinking as the basis.

It is important to remember that students are individuals and have many differences.

Classrooms can have students from various backgrounds and cultures. It is important to

understand and celebrate these differences. I will have a goal to make sure I am familiar with

students cultures by having a Family Night at the beginning of the year. Should students have
special needs I will make necessary adaptions and have access to any materials they may need.

We will embrace our individual differences and the environment of the classroom will reflect a

democracy.

I feel that I align with the Progressive Theory. I believe students learn through doing and

from experiences that are educational. I hope to implement a cooperative learning environment,

one built on equality and citizenship with each individual will play an important role. We will

have many group activities and experiences that will allow the student to be educated through

their learning style and promote growth and development of their inner curiosity. I will act as the

guide or group partner in learning.

Given the environment of my classroom and importance of citizenship I hope to limit

behavioral issues. I plan to implement a positive behavior reward system. Students who

maintain expected behavior will be rewarded daily or weekly. I feel this method will work

because when children have a goal to meet or reward to earn they are more mindful of their

behavior. If I have students who struggle with conflict I would implement conflict resolution,

working through the issues with all involved. Modeling expected behaviors is important in early

childhood education as is reflecting on the behavior and learning how to cooperate.

Another area of importance is family involvement. In addition to the Family Night at

the beginning of the year I would send home weekly newsletters with classroom information.

Once per marking period I would try to have an event that includes families. On a more

individual basis I would reach out to parents via email or note home with some positive notes as

well as any notes of areas of concern. All parents would have my school email and phone

number and the opportunity to conference at any time. I would have an open door policy with
my students and their families. I truly believe that bridging the gap between home and school is

vital to student success.