I have given a great deal of thought as to what my teaching philosophy should be. There are so many things that I aspire to, that I want to be for my future students and so many traits I would like to relay to my students. To me, my goals as a teacher, and the goals I wish to pass on to my students fall into five categories which I have deemed The Five C's.
The first C is for curiosity. On a personal level, I would like to be a teacher who is always looking into new methods of instruction, discipline, and classroom management, as well as take a strong interest in all of my students. I would like to continue adapting my teaching methods. For my students, I would really like to relay a life-long love of learning. I would love to help them find something they are interested in and help them to pursue that something. At the same time I would like my students to become well-rounded individuals, taking interest in many different things and truly caring about others! In my own teaching I would like to continue to discover new aspects and outcomes of my subject material, but also learn about things outside my circle of expertise.
The second C is for creativity. As a teaching goal, this is similar to my curiosity goal, in that I want to always continue trying new things and being inventive in everything I do. Some things will work, some things definitely will not, and I have to learn to be adaptable in that and always strive for new, better, and more creative teaching. Creativity is something I would like to pass on to my students both in their school work, but also in their thinking of citizenship and identity.
The third C is for cooperation. As mentioned in the brilliant clip from Sesame Street (shown below), 'cooperation makes it happen.' From a professional position, I look forward to working together with my fellow teachers in the Faculty and in the school environment. At the same time, I want my classroom to be an outlet for cooperation too! Students must work together to achieve common goals. Teamwork is an invaluable skill for students - and teachers - to learn, and if it is embedded early, it can easily become second nature.
The fourth C is for citizenship. From a personal and professional perspective I would like to strive to be a person for students to look up to. I will do my best to be approachable and welcoming in hopes of becoming a mentor to my students. I would like to teach my students to be kind and compassionate people. I would also like to implement programs that work for the greater good, this could be in terms of community outreach, environmental programs or promoting stronger mental health. In doing this my hope is to build a strong community within the classroom, within the school, and taking these skills beyond the classroom.
The fifth and, in my opinion, most important C is for camaraderie. To me, camaraderie brings together many of the previously mentions 'C's. In order for camaraderie to occur in the classroom their must be a delicate balance of trust and understanding. Camaraderie also takes a great deal of introspection, and acknowledgment that they are all 'in the same boat.' My hope would be that building an understanding friendship within the classroom will help to build a safe atmosphere for all and allow for better learning as well as better mental and physical health.
The first C is for curiosity. On a personal level, I would like to be a teacher who is always looking into new methods of instruction, discipline, and classroom management, as well as take a strong interest in all of my students. I would like to continue adapting my teaching methods. For my students, I would really like to relay a life-long love of learning. I would love to help them find something they are interested in and help them to pursue that something. At the same time I would like my students to become well-rounded individuals, taking interest in many different things and truly caring about others! In my own teaching I would like to continue to discover new aspects and outcomes of my subject material, but also learn about things outside my circle of expertise.
The second C is for creativity. As a teaching goal, this is similar to my curiosity goal, in that I want to always continue trying new things and being inventive in everything I do. Some things will work, some things definitely will not, and I have to learn to be adaptable in that and always strive for new, better, and more creative teaching. Creativity is something I would like to pass on to my students both in their school work, but also in their thinking of citizenship and identity.
The third C is for cooperation. As mentioned in the brilliant clip from Sesame Street (shown below), 'cooperation makes it happen.' From a professional position, I look forward to working together with my fellow teachers in the Faculty and in the school environment. At the same time, I want my classroom to be an outlet for cooperation too! Students must work together to achieve common goals. Teamwork is an invaluable skill for students - and teachers - to learn, and if it is embedded early, it can easily become second nature.
The fourth C is for citizenship. From a personal and professional perspective I would like to strive to be a person for students to look up to. I will do my best to be approachable and welcoming in hopes of becoming a mentor to my students. I would like to teach my students to be kind and compassionate people. I would also like to implement programs that work for the greater good, this could be in terms of community outreach, environmental programs or promoting stronger mental health. In doing this my hope is to build a strong community within the classroom, within the school, and taking these skills beyond the classroom.
The fifth and, in my opinion, most important C is for camaraderie. To me, camaraderie brings together many of the previously mentions 'C's. In order for camaraderie to occur in the classroom their must be a delicate balance of trust and understanding. Camaraderie also takes a great deal of introspection, and acknowledgment that they are all 'in the same boat.' My hope would be that building an understanding friendship within the classroom will help to build a safe atmosphere for all and allow for better learning as well as better mental and physical health.