I have been asked many times why I teach, so I began to think about why I teach and more importantly, my philosophy about teaching; so here are my thoughts:
"There is more treasure in books, than in
all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island."
While many often ask, why on earth do you
teach? I often smile and reply
that it is what I truly enjoy.
Teaching is my passion and while I may have discovered it later in life,
I have truly found what I love most.
I love the look on a student’s face when they get it, when they are
inspired or motivated, and I especially love the look of pride when they have
conquered something so great as acquiring new knowledge!
I have had experience in teaching many ages
of students from young adolescents to adults. My full-time position is teaching at the middle school
level, grades 6-8; however, I also teach at the Upward Bound program at Edison
State College and most recently, at Florida Gulf Coast University as an Adjunct
Professor in the College of Education.
While I do not have a preference for age or level of student that I
teach, my only preference is that of an engaged and motivated learner, which I
believe is partly my task to cultivate.
I believe in establishing a purposeful,
collaborative, and rich learning environment whereby students feel safe
and comfortable in being a contributing member. First of all, I
believe it is important to establish a purpose for
learning. Students need to feel that learning is not only
important, but also serves a purpose. Most importantly, they need to
be aware of this purpose; this helps establish a sense of ownership
and responsibility, which I believe is necessary in all aspects of human
development.
Secondly, I firmly believe
in collaboration, not only with colleagues, but also more importantly,
with students. They will be more engaged and motivated to
learn in a community in which they are a contributing member. They need
to feel safe and comfortable to share their thoughts and
communicate openly and freely.
Finally, I believe in engaging students in
technology. I have incorporated
technology in all aspects of my teaching.
I have utilized many Web 2.0 tools such as, Wordle, Prezi, Toon Doo,
Google Sites, Blogs, and many others with my students.
I find students are eager to learn and are
generally more motivated in a constructive classroom, where they are active and
engaged in their learning.
Overall, I find that the most important question to
always ask yourself is: would I want to be a member in my
own learning community? Your response measures your success within
your classroom.
“I
hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
-Chinese Proverb
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