What is your teaching philosophy?

Learning is something that comes very naturally to all people. From infancy we observe and learn. However, learning is not always that natural or simple. We cannot always simply observe and retain information especially as the content becomes more complex and specific. However, I believe that every student is capable of learning and is even capable of enjoying the experience. Many factors impact this learning experience especially the learning environment, the expectations set, and the focus of the classroom. Every classroom should be a safe space for every student involved. This can be accomplished by showing value to every person in the room and their contributions. No student should ever feel bullied in or belittled in the classroom. By creating a positive learning environment where opinions are valued and mistakes are learned from, students can feel free to learn in whatever way comes naturally. Students need to be willing to make mistakes and be confused if they are really going to internalize the information. Once a student feels comfortable to make mistakes, ask questions, and learn in the classroom, they need to understand that they are expected to do so. Setting high standards for every student in the classroom does not necessarily mean each student will be achieving to the same level. It means that every student is expected to be challenged and to do their best with that information. Finally, the classroom needs to student centered. When students are no longer the center of the classroom, learning is no longer the focus. This often means individualizing and differentiating the material to groups of students and individuals. Not every student learns the same or at the same level and keeping that in mind is key to a maximum amount of learning occurring. Teaching is more than just putting information out to be taken. It is helping students grow academically as well as emotionally, socially and physically. Especially in the middle school years, students need to be looked at as complicated people not just students or grades. This is not an easy process but is well worth it.