Shannon Michel

4/12/19
Philosophy of Teaching
In the eyes of students, teachers are all knowing. They can answer almost every question,

instill new knowledge every day, consequently, they must know absolutely everything there is to

know. However, it is my belief that the very best teachers are those who strive to gain new

knowledge everyday. Those who are not afraid to admit when they do not know something, those

who do not get complacent in their teaching practices, and those who are always willing to try

something new. Lifelong learners, that is what every teacher should strive to be. That is what I

strive to be. If I am continuously learning, I will be better able to foster positive experiences for

my students. This learning can come in the form of professional development, continuing college

education, or learning from colleagues. That being said, all of that knowledge does not mean

anything unless it is applied. If I attend a professional development, take notes, listen avidly, but

do nothing to apply it in practice, then what is the point? As a teacher, I plan to not only seek out

professional development but actively administer what I learn. As a new teacher, I will most

certainly work with educators who are more experienced than I. Seeking (and heeding) their

advice or counsel is another way to extend professional knowledge. Any attempt we make as

educators to keep our teaching practices relevant and worthwhile is admirable. Education is not a

static element, nor are the students we are educating; therefore, neither should our teaching

practices be static.

Though the constant search for new knowledge is one of the perks of being an educator,

the greatest draw for me is the students we teach. We are not just teachers, we are nurturers. We

have a love and respect for each and every one of our students. This is why I want to be a

teacher. I so enjoy watching the gears turning in students’ heads as they struggle through a

problem (because yes, struggling is part of the process), then watching the light in their eyes as

they finally get the answer. I love seeing how far they have come from the start of the year to the
 Shannon Michel
4/12/19
Philosophy of Teaching
end, and the pride they feel when they see that progress as well. While some may say teaching is

too emotionally and mentally taxing, I believe it is one of the most rewarding professions. In

fact, is more than just a profession, it is a lifestyle.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to organize and plan. That being said, I do not

always fully carry out those plans when I teach. When I am teaching a lesson, I make a great

effort to read my students throughout, and I will adjust according to their needs. I may have the

most brilliantly laid out lesson plan ever written, but if my students are not responding, it may

just be a meaningless piece of paper. I value their learning more than I worry about deviating

from my lesson plan. Another strength of mine is classroom management. I strongly believe in

positive versus negative reinforcement. In my experience, when you acknowledge students who

are following directions properly, the students who are not, will follow suit. Not only does this

reward positive behaviors, but it creates a safer and more inclusive learning environment, as well

as a more positive atmosphere. That being said, there are times when negative behaviors have to

be addressed, in which case, I will pull the student aside and speak with them privately. Again,

this keeps the classroom atmosphere positive and safe. I expect students to be respectful towards

me, therefore I have to show them that same respect.

When our students leave us, of course, we want their minds to be brimming with the

knowledge and skills they have learned that year. There is something in particular that I want my

students to gain though, and that is a love of learning! The most discouraging sound a teacher

can hear is a student’s grumble when you tell them they are learning something new today. I

want to hear my students cheer when they hear those words! However, if I can’t elicit a cheer, I

just want them to be willing to try their best. I never want to hear the words “I can’t do it” or “I

don’t want to do it”. I expect all my students to be willing, and the ableness will soon follow.
 Shannon Michel
4/12/19
Philosophy of Teaching
However, to foster that willingness there has to be an accepting and inclusive culture in the

classroom. It is not easy for some students to raise their hand and speak out in class. If they are

laughed at for a wrong answer, they might not be willing to ever share again. At the beginning of

each year, I will build up a kind and respectful rapport with students. With my help, I expect

them to maintain that rapport throughout the year. It is my hope that in teaching more than just

academics throughout the year, the students will leave me as more versatile, well-rounded human

beings.

Each group of students I have worked with has blown me away in their own unique

fashion. I am the one teaching them, yet I learn something new from each group. I hope to

continue cultivating my knowledge and become the life long learner I intend to be. I feel

extremely lucky to call this profession my own, and, as I progress throughout my career, I will

strive to deserve the title of “educator”.