Developing Your Teaching Philosophy

When you are applying for a teaching job, your teaching philosophy must be included. I have written my teaching philosophy a number of times. As I gain more experience, my teaching philosophy has expanded, but not changed. I have four points in my teaching philosophy which I discuss:

1. Why I teach. I think that this is the most important part of your teaching philosophy. What motivates you to teach. Do you enjoy it? Do you like children? Do you like learning? Do you learn anything as you teach? I teach because I love it and enjoy every aspect of it. It is what I do the best with the least amount of effort.
2. My Teaching and Classroom Management Style. Teaching style and classroom management style are not the same thing. There is no ideal teaching style. I like the interactive approach, so I tend to lean towards Facilitator Model Teaching Style. I like to have students take age appropriate responsibility and collaboration also develops social skills. I model the behavior I want to see in my students. I have high control and high involvement in any class I teach.
3. Motivation. I want students to be excited and look forward to being in my class. One sixth grade class decided to write a thank you note on my board. I loved it so much, I asked them to duplicate in on construction paper. They wrote "Thank You," because "We grow in here!!!" "Learned a lot!!!" "Thank you for being fun," "We enjoy your class." It was gratifying to know that my mission was accomplished. 
4. Obstacles Build Strength and Character. I have worked mostly in so called, "high risk schools," where students are prone to failure. I recognize that I cannot rescue students from their situation. I cannot rescue them from the struggle that is their everyday life. But, I can give them tools to help them learn self regulation, self control and guide them to the pathway of knowledge. I can model how to overcome obstacles as I overcome obstacles in my classroom daily. Education can help a student eventually rise above their circumstances. 

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

-Nelson Mandela

Teachers have an awesome responsibility. Substitute teachers have the advantage of moving from place to place, planting seeds of knowledge, encouragement and motivation. 

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