I believe that dedication is an essential quality for a teacher.

 
I plan to take my responsibility for helping students grow very seriously. I will dedicate much more time than just that of lesson 
planning, leading class, and grading. Children require time and attention to know that they matter. I plan to spend time before 
and after school catering to whatever needs are unmet at the school that I work at. I will also ensure that the student’s best 
interest is always at the forefront of my actions. 
 

I believe that in order to be an effective teacher, I must constantly be making strides to learn more about my 
chosen discipline, the field of education, the technology that I can utilize to engage students, and society in 
general. 
In order to reach students where they are and apply lessons to their lives, I must understand what is affecting their lives. A 
student’s cultural background and history will affect their view on education; as will changes in society and within the field of 
education. In order to provide the best service to my students, I will strive to constantly be learning more about cultural 
backgrounds and any changes in society. I will also remain up to date with all information pertaining to my discipline so that I 
may offer the most accurate and current knowledge to students. This will be noticeable in my classroom because current 
technology will be utilized and content will be up to date and applied to each student’s different requirements. 

 
I believe that participation and relevance are the keys to a memorable lesson. 
I plan to facilitate games and other interactive projects for my students. These projects will have a basic concept that I wish for 
them to overcome, but I will give them the freedom to apply this concept to their own personal interests. The lessons that I 
choose will be ones that students can apply to their own lives, making them more interesting and memorable. Ideally, students 
will be given the opportunity to apply lessons to the world around them. 
 

I believe that in order for a classroom to be successful, several methods of learning must be addressed. 
Although all students best learn in different ways, studies show that lessons are most effective when multiple methods of 
learning are utilized in one lesson. Because of this, I will do my best to use as many of the learning styles (visual, physical, aural, 
verbal, logical, social, and solitary) as possible in each unit. If showing a powerpoint presentation, I will include pictures and 
music with information. I will offer interactive games and projects that allow students to socialize and develop a method of 
teamwork. It is very important to me that I tap into all of the levels of learning that are mentioned in Bloom’s taxonomy. Students 
will be given the necessary tools to reach the rigorous standards that are set for them. 

I believe that all students, regardless of their race, sex, age, socioeconomic status, or ability, should have an 
equal opportunity to learn. 
I will always consider the struggles that students are faced with due to their race, sex, age, socioeconomic status, and ability, and 
will provide them with the appropriate efficacy to help them reach the goals that I have set out for them. All students will be 
treated respectfully, regardless of their history or any category that they may fall into. All students will be held to the same 
standards, but some will be scaffolded more than others, depending on need. I will engage students and try to relate to their 
particular situations. 
 

I believe that in order for students to meet their potential, they must feel safe in their learning environment. 
In order to make students feel safe, I will treat them with respect and value all input. I will take a stand against any bullying and 
oppression that I see. I will share that I value my students and why I care. I will teach them that their voices matter and no one 
can take that away from them. I will welcome questions and offer an ear if any of them are struggling with anything in their lives. 
Additionally, I will expect students to treat all others with respect. Students will be reminded on a regular basis that they are of 
equal importance as the person beside them, regardless of any circumstances.  
 Reflection 
When creating my classroom environment philosophy, or CEP, I concentrated on the first, second, third, 
and fourth North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards: Teachers demonstrate leadership, Teachers establish 
a respectful environment for a diverse population of students, Teachers know the content they teach, and 
Teachers facilitate learning for their students. My CEP includes the importance of teacher dedication and constant 
pursuit of discipline-related knowledge. These two statements relate to the first and third NC Professional 
Teaching Standards. The second teaching standard, Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse 
population of students, is addressed by my final two statements in my CEP: “I believe that all students, regardless 
of their race, sex, age, socioeconomic status, or ability, should have an equal opportunity to learn.” and “I believe 
that in order for students to meet their potential, they must feel safe in their learning environment.” In order for a 
safe environment to be established for all students, respect and acceptance must be spread. All students must 
be given equal opportunities and efficacy must be used in order to help students reach Common Core State 
Standards and understand their lessons. Additionally, two of my CEP statements were directed at the fourth NC 
Professional Teaching Standard, Teachers facilitate learning for their students: “I believe that in order for a 
classroom to be successful, several methods of learning must be addressed.” and “I believe that participation and 
relevance are the keys to a memorable lesson.” Because students learn differently and lessons are most 
effectively taught in varying ways, teachers must use their pedagogical content knowledge to determine how 
best to teach particular students a particular lesson. A lesson will be most compelling when student interests and 
backgrounds are related. Because of the advancements in technology, the internet is an incredibly useful tool for 
engaging students. As the I progress in my career, I will revise my philosophy according to what is most beneficial 
to my class and advancements in technology and the field of education. 

Works Cited 

Ayers, W. (2010). Beginning: The Challenge of Teaching. In ​To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher​ (3rd ed., pp. 13-31).  

New York, NY: Teachers College, Columbia University. 

This resource debunks the myths that surround teaching and details the realities that those in the  

profession are faced with. 

Davis, H. A. (2012). How Do I Connect With Diverse Students? In J. Allan (Ed.), ​An Interpersonal Approach to  

Classroom Management​ (pp. 119-138). Corwin. 

This resource details the challenges of connecting with diverse students and strategies that one may 

take in order to overcome those challenges.  

Guillaume, A. M. (2012). Models of Instruction. In K. Canton (Ed.), ​K-12 Classroom Teaching​ (4th ed., pp. 142-178).  

Boston, MA: Pearson Education. 

This resource details the varying teaching techniques, when they are appropriate for use, when they are 

not, and provides examples about how they may be used.