My Educational Philosophy

My Philosophy of Education
I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my wish as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are helpful in establishing such an environment. The first would be that the teacher should be acting as a guide. The second would be to allow the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning. The third would be promoting respect for all things and all people.
When the teacher's role is to guide, one should provide access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information. With this approach, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to build knowledge, they need the chance to realize for them and practice skills in realistic situations. Allowing students’ access to hands-on activities and allowing suitable time and space to use materials that support the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.
Equally important to self-discovery is having the chance to study things that are important and pertinent to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests promotes essential motivation and encourages the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction significant to student interest is to invite student discussion about the lessons and units of study. Given the chance for participation, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer undertakings than I could have created or imagined individually. When students have involvement in the curriculum, they are driven to work hard and master the skills needed to reach their goals....