Teaching Philosophy: Leadership Creates Learning
It is my belief that all students can and want to learn. It is up to the teacher in the room to inspire and motivate the student. The teacher must also create an environment that supports learning, participation, and motivation. I feel that some teachers either get complacent, or sometimes develop the attitude that they simply can't reach a particular student. Almost getting to the point where they give up on a student. For me, I always look back to this core belief that I mentioned above. All students want to learn and be taught. Myself, being their teacher, must continue to work and find a way to reach even the students that seem unreachable.
Some students may play the "not interested" card while in the classroom. My first belief is that the teacher must find a way to make each student care. The best way to go about doing this is to develop a relationship with each student. This can range from simply telling them hello as they walk in to your classroom, sending positive notes home about the student, or can go as far as buying/creating rewards that are personal for the uninspired student. All of these can go a long way. As students see that you care, and that a friendly relationship has developed, trust will begin to form. Trust is the most important idea or feeling that develops between a student and teacher. When all of these things happen, the student will see value in your class and the value in the lessons you are trying to teach. With this newfound value, effort will be the next outcome. Once a "not interested" student displays effort, even the slightest effort, This is a great time for praise. After receiving positive attention for their effort, a student may continue to work for more of this positive attention. I understand that each student is different, and due to these differences they may be motivated differently. However, I believe there is no substitution for a positive bond or relationship between teacher and student.
I believe it is absolutely true that students learn best when they feel safe in their environment. This feeling of safety comes from the positive relationships that were mentioned above, this feeling of safety also comes from embracing the differences in each student. A teacher's thoughts, words, and classroom set up must be done with the individuality of his/her students in mind. If a student feels isolated due to race, religion, economic background, or any other trait, that student will not give you their best effort in your classroom. On the other side of that coin, if a student knows that their differences are accepted, you and that student will be able to accomplish great things. An example of what I am talking about takes place in classrooms all over, right around the start of winter break. In these classrooms teachers have a tendancy to celebrate Christmas without giving a thought to the studnents who's family may not have christian beliefs, or enough money for presants. If this happens to a student, imagine how they may feel in that classroom. Overlooked, disreguarded, or that they simply do not belong. These feelings can turn in to a feeling of being unsafe, and as this happens you as their teacher can begin to lose them as students. If you turn this scenario around to inlcude all students in your room, not only is everyone included, but it offers great teaching moments about the differences in all of us.
Lastly I believe that great education includes having great communication between the student, parents, administration, and yourself. Great communication is not simply telling others what to do, or only sharing your ideas. In order to be a great communicator, a teacher must be willing to listen and act on the information that is given to them. After all, teachers are not all knowing. Often times a student who thinks poorly of school has parents or guardians at home who also think poorly of school. If these parents or guardians are communicated with, and know they are valued, they can become some of your biggest allies in reaching their child. Teachers must rely on thoughts and ideas from all types of people. This hits on the thought that it takes a community to raise a child.
While education and being a teacher can be a difficult profession. I believe that if a teacher forms positive relationships, recognizes differences, and communicates well they will be successful. Not to mention have successful students, and that is the goal after all.
