Teresa Seals
Philosophy of Education
Teaching is a lifelong process of learning about new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, especially learning from the children. As I reflect upon my school and academic career, it is clear that my pedagogical stance has been greatly influence by my many mentors. In the classroom my mentors helped me develop my ability to assess, create, and articulate ideas. But they did more than just aid in my intellectual development. Each one set an excellent example for me to follow as a teacher. What made my mentors exemplary teachers was their devotion to their students and to their profession. In sum, each one led by example. It is within mind that I turn to my own teaching philosophy that I have gained from my mentors and share it with the students in which I expect to motivate and influence. I firmly believe that the best way to learn is teach and one continues to learn all through one’s life and I would like to embrace teaching as an opportunity to empower and inspire.
To achieve my goal, the students must actively participate and take responsibility in their learning. I must facilitate and enhance their learning to my greatest capability by exploring a variety of learning styles and allowing the students to have fun. If they enjoy learning, they will become life long learners. As a teacher I can evaluate my effectiveness through the learning of my students, not by the scores they receive on standardized test, but rather by what they understand, and retain about material covered throughout the year. This can also be accomplished through self reflections as I look for ways to continue to enhance my knowledge.
Vygotsky’s theory of social learning presents a challenge for all adults to be the best role models in education and life that we can possibly be. He places less emphasis on self-initiated discovery and more on learning though social contexts. A child’s zone of proximal development is based primarily upon the difference between what a child can already do alone and what he or she can do with assistance from a more competent person.
My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all can feel capable and successful. This will be through presenting a curriculum that involves the interest of the students and make learning relevant to life. By incorporating themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work and hands-on learning will aid in making students active and life long learners.
Teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I truly feel that there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about motivating the development of children.
Overall I would like to build a rapport with all those in which I encounter giving them a sufficient amount of knowledge that will aid them to live a disciplined and successful life to do what is right, just, and fair.
