TEACHER PHILOSOPHY 1

Teacher Philosophy

Katie M. Richey

California State University Bakersfield

TEACHER PHILOSOPHY 2

Theres a lot of information to consider when you are being asked to verbalize your

personal teaching philosophy. Ive had observations, lectures, readings, and even experience all

addressing the characteristics that encompass being a teacher. And over all of this time, after all

of this information I have finally begun to create a vision of what my teaching philosophy would

be.

As a teacher I will instill in my students the desire to pursue learning by setting positive

expectations, routines, and procedures. I will promote a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment

where students will be exposed to content that is relevant and personal to them that also meets

the requirements of the Common Core State Standards.

In one of my classes this semester my professor was very addimit about setting high

expectations and standards for us within the classroom. To demonstrate the importance of these

positive and high expectations, she would clearly address assignment and activity guidelines

before class. When we failed to meet those expectations, she would clearly reiterate her

directions reminding us of our shortcomings. These tactics only forced my fellow students and I

to try harder, to make sure we met each one of those requirements so that we could be our very

best selves within her class. I too want to instill and enforce positive expectations within my

classroom so that my students believe in themselves and their own ability to learn (Wong 11).

Over the course of my observations I witnessed many teachers belittle students with

negative comments. The words you should have been paying attention, its your fault, or

well thats what you get, were just some of the phrases uttered when students asked for help. I

saw the hopelessness and anger in their eyes when they chose to give up. In my classroom I will

encourage practice, mistakes, and trial and error. I will also meet my students eye to eye and

acknowledge that I respect, understand, and care about their struggles and needs (Wong 70).
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When approaching content and addressing the Common Core State Standards, I will

work on aligning my curriculum to meet the needs of my students and the state. I will look at the

end goals and work backwards at creating lessons and activities that help my students meet them.

I will incorporate hands on learning, group activities, and interactive lessons so that my students

will not be forced into another lecture in their busy school days (Jones 115). I will also use

informal and formal assessment data to instruct my teaching.

Overall, I hope to exceed my own and others expectations of myself as a teacher. I want

to continue over the years to not become complacent, but to strive better myself as an instructor

in the classroom. I will continue as the days, months, and years pass to continue to change as a

teacher just as the world has changed too; so that I can be the best teacher I can be.
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References

Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T., (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher.

Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications Inc.

Jones, F., (n.d.). Tools for teaching.[3rd Edition]. Retrieved from www.apple.com/ibooks