Please do not copy any part of the philosophy statement. It was written by the Demonstration Teaching Evaluation Team. Please create your own unique philosophy statement outlining your positive feelings on education, student learning, classroom management, etc. Please do not make negative or disparaging statements regarding education. This often runs counterproductive when a prospective employer reads them. If you have negative things to say, find a way to state it in more positive terms or leave it out.

Philosophy of Teaching

When I first began teaching, I did so with the notion that I could make a difference in the lives of the students in my classroom. My perception of education was that a teacher divulged the knowledge that a student would need to be successful. It did not take me long to realize that the role of the teacher in education is extremely more complex than bestowing information.

Teachers facilitate learning best when they employ research based strategies and best teaching practices within the classroom. I have found that using a variety of strategies increases the range of student interest and learning. The classroom is the perfect setting for conducting action research to determine optimal learning methods and scenarios. In this way, teachers model that learning is an on-going, lifelong process for their students.

Teachers are responsible for meeting the individual educational needs of their students. I believe that every student has the right to be challenged. Students should be instructed at their levels and be allowed to progress at individual paces. Various grouping methods such as whole class, ability groups, and flexible groups can help the teacher instruct efficiently for the diverse needs of a classroom.

Student achievement is increased as teachers maintain high expectations for student performance. Students become intrinsically motivated as they experience the success that comes through hard work. As students learn to set and meet selected goals they become proud, confident, and empowered. I feel that every student can learn, despite perceived abilities, talents, interests, and challenges. It is important that teacher actions do not limit student performance. Teachers must be positive, appropriate role models for their students. When discipline is necessary, it should be firm, respectful, and follow consistent policies.

Student assessment should drive the teaching process. By taking the time to “unpack” the standards, teachers can determine exactly what it is they need to teach in the various content and skill areas. Backwards planning is useful as the teacher develops the assessments first, and then designs the unit lessons to ascertain that all objectives are taught. Performance assessments, formal and informal observations, project based assignments, and rubrics are useful assessments, in addition to the standard paper and pen tests. As teachers analyze student performance, they may more readily redirect lessons to improve students learning.

As educators, I feel we must teach today’s children to be prepared for tomorrow’s world. In so doing, students must be ready with basic skills, communication, research, and problem-solving abilities. The global interconnectedness of our world demands that students are able to use technology and make sound judgments based on the increasing amounts of information available.

Having an education is a valuable treasure. It often determines the quality of life and amount of options an individual may face during his/her lifetime. While my students may not yet recognize the value of their education, I want to ensure that the time spent in my classroom is productive and memorable. It is my hope that my students will be able to make a difference in their own lives, and perhaps, positively influence others.