Robin Bright

Teaching Seminar 3505

Courtney Nibogie
September 28th, 2017
Teaching Philosophy: PS 1

Classroom Climate & Structure

My classroom is an inclusive environment that advocates a sense of belonging for all. A
community that celebrates the success of others (as well as ones own), models the value of respect and
compassion for all communities, and fosters positive relationships in and out of the classroom. I value the
social, physical, and emotional safety of my students and intend to provide a comprehensive domain that
embraces mistakes, promotes individuality, and encourages students to become active agents in their
learning. Students should be neither bored nor frustrated with instruction, but rather, should be given
achievable challenges for every level of development - Appropriate short-term goals that help students
move towards long-term goals of improvement. I believe it is essential for me to explore every approach
to teaching with an open mind. Evolution of curricula is inevitable, but developing an appreciation for all
forms of transmission is the first step in becoming a successful teacher, and will aid in formulating my
own unique teaching methods. I will test the waters, find out what works best for me and my students,
change as they do, adjust when needed, and remember that there are endless possibilities for instruction
I will not be confined to one philosophy.
A Growth Mind-set
In order to be successful, students will embrace the possibility of improvement and will be given
concise, fair and reliable formative and summative assessment from both me and their peers. Students
will have an active and cooperative role in their assessment and will be supported in learning the
appropriate skills necessary to become confident self-directed learners. Uniqueness and individual
interests will be routinely encouraged, and incorporated into my classroom activities, as well as will be
embraced by all my students. No student will be discouraged for being who they are and want to be. I
think it paramount for students to assemble a collective classroom mission statement reflecting agreed
upon goals, expectations, disciplines, and classroom regulations to ensure an efficient and positive
learning environment. This gives the students an interactive space to practice responsibility and holds
them to a certain amount of accountability by their peers to exercise respect and accept reproach for
inappropriate action.
The Power of Positive Relationships
In order for learning to happen, my focus must be directed toward building a strong rapport with
both my students and colleagues. Not only does establishing strong connections infer positive interactions
and cooperation for future endeavors, but models for my students the importance of establishing healthy
and constructive interactions that should be emulated in all aspects of communication - The students
performance is a direct reflection of my actions and teaching ability, and I uphold this responsibility with
the upmost vigilance. I intend to provide for each student an exciting and challenging plan for learning
and hope to establish a reciprocal relationship where I teach with them, not at them. I believe that leaning
is reaching all levels of development, where no child is left behind or should struggle with their self-
worth. I believe it crucial to address a student who is struggling and, to the best of my ability, alleviate
any mental or physical obstacles preventing that child from learning.
Life-long Learning
As a teacher, I comprehend and accept the challenges that come with being a strong teacher, all-
the-while embracing my position as a life-long learner. Being a good teacher means that I will never cease
to explore, and that I will interpret new, and sometimes unfamiliar, situations as opportunities for further
growth. I will give my students the respect and honesty they merit, and expect that my students will do
the same for me and their peers. I believe that conflict in the classroom is unavoidable, therefore I
welcome it as an opportunity for growth an opportunity that must be addressed with the upmost care
and professionalism. In order to be the best I can for my students I do not intend to do for them what they
can do for themselves. I want my students to be excited and confident in their learning so that they can
make positives steps as they progress, and this can only come about through self-starting, independent
learners.