Education Philosophy & Reflection

Teaching is both an art and a science, encompassing interdisciplinary elements. It combines scientific investigation, humanistic and neurological understanding, and the design and implementation of best practices. Teaching encompasses cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, instructional design, and linguistics and requires significant determination. A teacher is not merely a teacher but also a mentor, a role model, and an inspiration. They are futurists, visionaries, and advocates.

High school is often a challenging and awkward experience for everyone. Each student faces their own set of struggles and obstacles. Knowing what I know, I realize there were likely students in my classes with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, or who dealt with their own family issues, but I never noticed. My favorite teachers had a knack for engaging and involving the entire class. They challenged their students to grow and develop. They set high expectations and encouraged their students to surpass their previous selves, both personally and academically.

Based on my prior experiences in the classroom and the knowledge I have gained over the past 15 weeks, I believe the most effective teachers are the ones who encourage their students to explore topics they are genuinely interested in. I have chosen to pursue teaching to inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation of leaders. I want to guide them in discovering their passions, talents, and their true selves. I aim to become a teacher who positively impacts the lives of diverse learners, regardless of their background or appearance. I strongly believe in providing my students with the freedom to explore and express different ideas and opinions in the classroom. I believe that allowing students to develop a personal connection to the material is one of the most effective ways to foster genuine learning. Self-exploration and curiosity are the driving forces behind education. I recognize that every student comprehends information and materials at their own pace during the learning process. Moreover, I understand that learning and performance are not directly correlated. Learning is a complex phenomenon that entails developing creative solutions that cannot always be accurately measured. A student's progress should not be solely judged based on their performance on assessments, but also on their ability to apply acquired knowledge to real-life situations.

Furthermore, I consider social-emotional learning to be of utmost importance in my classroom. Prioritizing social-emotional learning is crucial for student success in high school, college, and throughout life. It equips students with mindfulness, effective communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with others and themselves. My goal as a teacher is to establish long-lasting connections and leave a profound impression on my students. When a student completes one of my classes, I want them to feel proud of their accomplishments, the effort they put in, and the person they have become. This encapsulates my teaching philosophy and what I believe constitutes the impact of effective teaching and educational philosophy.