Frame of Reference

Michelangelo said “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the

sculptor to discover it”; to me this is a theory of education. That is to say that every student and

the teacher has a chisel, hammer and a block of stone and together we will work at finding the

statue inside. This is achieved by:

Creating an environment in which everyone will respect each and everyone in the

classroom and school while having dignity for all; creating a safe environment in which all will

be comfortable to learn and share with each other.

Communicating with students, parents, and faculty in a professional, open, clear, and

caring manner. I will provide thoughtful and insightful answers to help spark the fire of learning.

The underlying tone will be fair, firm, and friendly.

Encouraging my students to solve their own problems, share their opportunities for

learning and celebrate all their successes. Together we will learn about each other and the world

that we live in. We will help others see our point of view while congruently listing to others with

mind, body, heart, and spirit. My students will transform into equitable life learners. I will model

this by ensuring that I “recognize the need to make education more responsive to learner

differences and … to ensure that the benefits of education [are] more equitably and effectively

distributed.” (Meyer, 2014).

Understanding that everyone learns differently than everyone else, however together we

learn best. To me this is a fundamental learning practice. I am constantly reflecting on my own

learning methods and learning from others as well.

 Learning is not the memorization of facts and data, it is the comprehension of concepts

and ideas. With time and practice we can learn a great many things, it is my job create a

memorable experience and create palpable knowledge. Learners must be able to show their

learning in a multitude of ways and have an active choice in how this is done.

It is vital that the classroom will be a safe space. The classroom will be set up in just a

way that will allow for comfort, sharing, and group work for all manner of activities with

consideration for all learners. Students will be able to be who they are without fear of

discrimination.

Involving members of the community to help provide a localized learning experience. I

will pull on these resources to provide my students with a more holistic leaning about their

community and people who they share it with. This practice begins by forming a community of

learners in our classroom, then inviting others in to become part of our growing community.

Encouraging parents / guardians to participate in classroom activities as much as

possible. I will communicate and work with parents / guardians to help their child to succeed.

Education in not just in the classroom but in the home as well. I will become a partner in

education with every student’s parents / guardians.

I respect the dignity of all persons. This includes students, parents / guardians, staff,

support personal, administration, and the greater community. I act with integrity, loyalty, and

courage in my day to day life. I promote stewardship for the environment and the public interest.

I expect excellence from myself in my own learning, teaching, and of my inspirations.

Each classroom has a wide range of learners that all need to be recognized and supported

in their learning journey. Students have a variety of learning styles, needs, and time needed to
absorb information in a meaningful way. Lesson need to be planed and designed in such a way

that every student will have an access point and a stretch to their learning. I will use frameworks

such as Response to Intervention and Universal Design for Learning to help guide my planning

process. Shelly Moore said it best “in order to knock down the most pins with one shot [you]

need to aim for the pins that are the hardest to hit”.

I believe that education should be inclusive, engaging, holistic, and fun. As an educator

one of my responsibilities is to allow my students to develop a sense of self and self-worth.

Using Indigenous pedagogy students are put on an authentic and holistic path that will allow

them to learn using their mind, body, heart, and spirit. This path is inclusive and engaging for all

learners. This pedagogy is also a pathway to teaching respect. That is respect of others, place,

and self. These are qualities that everyone needs.

I will install a sense of wonder and amazement in every student to incorporate a positive

learning experience. Each student will leave my class a better human than which they came

because they will strive, seek, and find knowledge and never yield to the unknown.

REFERENCES

Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. T. (2014). Universal design for learning: theory and

practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST Professional Publishing.

Michelangelo, B. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.michelangelo.org/michelangelo-quotes.jsp

Moore, S. (2016, April 04). Transforming Inclusive Education. Retrieved January 27, 2018, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYtUlU8MjlY