Rachael Froese Zamperini

Educ 405/406

Nov. 28, 2017

CREDO 1.2

My Credo is a living document a collection of deeply-held beliefs around which I structure my

approach to teaching. My Credo will continue to evolve alongside my experience and my capacities as a
teacher. I base my Credo on five values in education, which are most important to me: Respect (for self,
for others and for the environment), joy and curiosity in learning, collaborative communication, work
ethic, and citizenship (in our schools, our communities and in the world).

As a professional, my own organization and preparation is essential to students success in learning: this
means the content, perspectives and teaching strategies I employ to stimulate their curiosity and the desire
to learn. Likewise, my ability to make the subject relevant to students. I must maintain openness to learn
from my own students and in order to capitalize on the unexpected. The desire to listen to and understand
my students is always at the heart of my lessons. By building my relationship with them, I am better able
to reach them, at exactly the point where they are at in their learning journeys. Finally, I am responsible
for continuing to nurture my professional abilities, to benefit the students and to model my commitment
to lifelong learning.
Creating a climate conducive to learning requires two-way communication between the teacher and the
students. For me it means asking a lot of questions to stimulate dialogue and encourage the participation
of all the voices in the class. There is also a need for collaborative communication with parents who play
a critical role in supporting the student through the learning process. I prioritize an open, tolerant and
inclusive classroom climate in which students of all backgrounds and abilities feel comfortable and
valued enough to participate in the micro-community of the classroom. I value Aboriginal Principles of
Learning, and I recognize their place as intrinsic as well as explicit in all areas of my teaching.

Students need a teacher to demonstrate compassion and interest in their individuality. They need to feel
welcome in their community at school; and that they can count on the consistent expectations of respect,
empathy and personal excellence. Students need flexible instruction that adapts to their personal learning
style and finally, they need a teacher who believes in their ability to succeed and who gives them a
challenge together with the tools they need to meet it. Ultimately, education must be a source of student
empowerment, giving them opportunities for leadership and creative expression that nurture their
individuality and self-esteem.