Education leads to an abundance of opportunities, and I believe that each and every student has the potential to achieve great things. As an educator, it is my responsibility to create a warm, positive classroom environment that will foster student learning and growth. Each student has unique abilities and needs, and my main focus is to differentiate my instruction in order to give each student the best opportunity for success. Due to the diverse learning styles of students, I always present material in a variety of ways during a lesson. I might spend a class period allowing students to explore the topic using manipulatives, having a class discussion about their inquiries, and then playing a game on the SMART Board where the students can review and apply what they’ve learned.

 

I believe classroom management is the key to creating a safe and productive environment in any classroom. I allow the students to have a say in the classroom rules and consequences because I want them to feel that they are helping to create a positive classroom community. That way, they will be more likely to follow the rules and take ownership for their actions. It’s vital to be consistent when enforcing expectations, and I believe that it’s equally as important to model the respectful behavior that I expect to see from the students. I use a preventative approach to discipline because I believe that poor behavior can be corrected by finding the cause of the problem and preventing the undesirable behavior in the future. I also believe in the importance of reinforcing positive behaviors; I strive to use a praise to criticism ratio of 4:1.  

 

I believe in having a student-centered classroom, where I act as the facilitator. It’s important for students to be active, responsible participants in their own education and I think that learning is more valuable when students come to their own conclusions. I am inspired by John Dewey and his idea of progressive education; I strive to give students opportunities to engage in active learning where they are solving real-world tasks. I prefer to keep lectures and memorization to a minimum in order to maximize opportunities for inquiry-based learning. I also believe student-led discussions are an effective way for students to share their thinking and make sense of ideas.

 

When it comes to assessments, I give students a variety of ways to convey their knowledge. There are times when giving tests and quizzes are necessary, but I like to stray from the norm and incorporate projects, essays, songs, presentations, skits, and other creative outlets for students to demonstrate their learning. I believe in giving students choices to increase motivation and allowing them to creatively express their knowledge. I also think it’s important to use formative assessment, both formal and informal, to guide instruction.

 

As a teacher, it is necessary to build strong, positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. It’s important to get involved as much as possible and be an active member of the community. When students see that a teacher is there for them outside of school, they are more likely to trust and respect the teacher. By building rapport with the students, I will be a role model to them and profoundly impact their lives. The relationship between a parent and a teacher is also incredibly important; I believe that they should work together in a collaborative partnership to benefit the student. I frequently inform parents of student progress and interact with families in a positive way. Lastly, I think it is vital to create partnerships with colleagues to work together and share ideas as professional educators. Professional learning communities are a great way for professionals to work together to set and work toward goals to improve student learning.