I believe that teachers must be compassionate and dedicated in order to foster learning in all students. My goal is to provide a constant, enriching learning environment where all students can be active participants. Creating a warm, nurturing classroom provides a safe and inviting place for all students. Giving students a strong foundation in which they can build their knowledge is imperative for success. Not only is it important to motivate the students, but to inspire them as well. Inspiring my students allows for their increased motivation, allowing them to set high aspirations for themselves, positively impacting their lives. Permitting students to see the rewarding and enjoyable side of education enables them to grow and become independent.

 

One way to create a comfortable environment is through differentiation. Every student brings different experiences and learning styles to the classroom.  Meeting the students where they are allows for them to achieve success. This instills confidence in the students, pushing them to reach their highest learning potential. Using “high level”, or open ended, tasks allows me to scaffold the instruction for all students, meeting the needs of the diverse learners in the classroom. Incorporating technology to differentiate gives the students a new outlet to learn and show their growth. After the students become immersed in this classroom environment, where each student is challenged at the appropriate level, they can be pushed to reach higher.    

 

When students become comfortable enough to put themselves out there they create the best learning experiences: mistakes. Exploring the new and unfamiliar through risk taking, are a vital part of a child’s education and learning process. Creating positive experiences from these moments will help to create a positive school image for the child. Each student will learn through their mistakes, persevering in the growth of their education.  When students feel safe in their learning environment they are able to task risks and make mistakes.

 

I aim to provide an education that is developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant to all students. Building a sense of community in the classroom gives each student an identity. Immersing their culture and values into the classroom shows their worth as individuals, increasing their desire to be present and learn.  Creating individual identities lets students grow not only academically, but socially as well. I believe that establishing a positive partnership with the students and their families gives emphasis to the importance of education and my dedication to their success.  

 

I bring many assets as an individual and an educator that help to strengthen my students learning in the classroom. Using collaborative problem solving, high-level tasks, experimentation and creative expression increases student engagement while meeting the needs of diverse learners. Project based learning and cooperative learning allows the students to use inquiry and collaboration in their learning process, learning lifelong skills that will help them far beyond the classroom.  Students will have the opportunity to learn from one another, building relationships and supports in their education. I have found student and teacher learning to be reciprocal. Using students as teachers in the classroom and building upon their interests helps them to have a voice in their education. Seeing their ideas imbedded within the classroom allows the students to take ownership of their learning and their work. I am able to see children flourish through implementing hands-on, open ended lessons. My goal in teaching is to make a difference in the lives of each student that I meet. One small change can make a world of difference.