Philosophy of Education

Classroom Organization - I believe that teachers need to be organized in their classroom. Nothing is worse then when a teacher loses a student's assignment or can't find what they need for a lesson. Students can shut down if they have to redo an assignment. The main thing is that the more organized and structured a teacher is in the classroom the more time there is for student learning.

Motivation - Teachers need to be able to motivate their students. There are some students who will do whatever you ask just because you're the teacher, but there are other students who need more motivation. They need to see a reason for doing assignments. Without a purpose certain students won't be motivated.

Discipline - My personal belief about discipline is that it can be prevented. Teachers need to get to know their students so they know how to prevent disciplinary situations in the classroom. If two students talk too much when they're together then make sure they're not in the same group. If one student acts out when he has nothing to do, then make sure he doesn't run out of work. If it looks like a student is having a really bad day, then don't call on him during class. I think it's all about knowing your students and their habits.

Assessment - Students need to be assessed in different ways. They can't just be graded on tests and quizzes because that's not an accurate measure of assessment for all students. Some have anxiety with tests, and it's pretty common in math. I've even drawn blanks on math tests and I love math. Students need to be able to show you in different ways that they know the material and can use their knowledge in different situation. Projects are a great way for students to do this.

Classroom Climate - Students need to feel comfortable in class so they will participate in classroom discussions and will answer questions that you ask. Students also need to know that they won't be made fun of for asking "stupid" questions or saying the wrong answer. Teachers need to make a classroom climate where all students are encouraged to share their ideas without feeling embarrassed.

Learning Focus - I believe that the students should be the majority of the learning focus. Students have needs and they should be met in order for them to learn and retain more information. Students should also have some say in what they're going to be learning. They can help decide what projects the class can do and what they're going to be graded on. I also believe that some parts of the curriculum should be decided on by the teacher. Teachers are the experts in the classroom and know what students should know before going on to the next grade.

Teacher Styles - My teaching style is closely related to student centered learning. I don't like to lecture because I don't like to listen to lectures as a student. If I find a lesson boring to teach, I know that students will find it boring too. And if I find an assignment boring to grade, then I know students will find it boring to do. I think it's better for students to discover things on their own, instead of me just giving them the answer and them taking my word for it.

Leadership Styles - My leadership style is based more on encouragement more then anything. I am a role model for students and want to encourage them in any way I can so that one day they can all be leaders. I don't think that leaders should be bossy and an authoritative person, but a person that is looked up to. I want students to be able to look up to me for support and guidance.