My Teaching Philosophy

My Teaching Credo

             Education to me is not simply teaching somebody something; it is helping them discover it within themselves.  This is what I believe about education.  My goal as an educator is to help children discover what they want to learn within themselves. 

             “It is today that we create the world of the future.”   Eleanor Roosevelt made this comment, and I believe that she made a very significant statement about education.  When I ponder the question of why I want to teach, I realize that this career will give me an opportunity to help shape the future of many.  Our children are tomorrow’s leaders and it is important that they are instilled with values as well as a good education.  This, in a nutshell, is why I want to be an educator.

            My number one goal is to be an enthusiastic teacher.  This goes hand in hand with education.  If we want our children to be enthusiastic about learning, then we in turn need to be enthusiastic about teaching and learning ourselves.  I want this excitement to be evident to anyone who enters my classroom.  I would like the children to enjoy their time in my classroom and be a part of the actual learning process.  It is important to teach in a way that all children can understand and be involved in their own learning.  This may require first explaining the material in a lecture fashion and following with hands on project to reinforce what was taught.  I believe in the theory presented in this Chinese Proverb.   “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process for as long as he lives.”  To me this means that if you can motivate a student to become interested, their desire to learn will continue long past the day’s lesson.  I believe if one can motivate a student to become interested, their desire to learn will continue long past the day’s lesson. 

            Another philosophy that is important to me is to remember that I am there for all students.  Every student learns at a different pace so it is important that the teacher sees the positive growth in each student as an individual.  I feel that teachers are to be there for each and every student, not just the gifted and those most receptive to learning.  I believe that this idea should stand deep in every teacher’s heart. 

I would like to be able to share the good family values that I have been taught with my class.  The simple act of politeness will take a person very far in their life.  Not only do polite people receive more respect during their school years, but also after graduation as they enter the work force.  Another value that I have been taught is timeliness.  Once while attending the National FFA Convention, I heard from motivational speaker Rick Rigsby.  He shared with us a message that will stay with me for the rest of my life.  Rick said, “I would rather be an hour early than a minute late.”  Timeliness is another attribute that will benefit the student throughout their entire life.  Values such s these may seem trivial; however, they help form the type of people we are.          

            In conclusion, I believe that accepting the job and title of teacher is one of the most prestigious titles I could attain.  Teaching is a career that gives one a sense of accomplishment.  What makes it so rewarding is observing and taking pride in the small achievements of students, as well as their major accomplishments.  I have been told it is impossible to change the world, but I believe that every person I help makes an impact on the world.