My personal educational philosophy is eclectic. My instruction varies depending on the situation and students. There are times that the classroom should be teacher centered and other times that it should be student centered. Basic everlasting ideas need to be taught, but focusing on my student�s interests and learning styles are important too. I prefer to teach by integrated the subjects into meaningful units. I love having seminars or class discussions on certain topics that deepen my students thinking process and gives them the opportunity to share opinions. No matter what curriculum is being used in the school or classroom, I tweak it to fit the student�s needs and learning styles.
In conclusion, the classroom belongs to both my students and me. The atmosphere and the relationships should represent a family to create belonging. Each student should feel safe to take risks, be respected, and feel worthy. Each student must be recognized as an individual with unique needs and abilities. I believe my teaching style should meet this diversity. Focusing on each child�s prior knowledge, learning style, and interests will help my students reach their highest capabilities. All students deserve the same quality and quantity of education despite their culture, ethnicity, social status, or learning ability. They also deserve a teacher that has high expectations, so that they will rise to meet these expectations. A teacher must always keep a sense of humor and love their profession. Katherine Graham says it best, �To love what you do and feel that it matters � how could anything be more fun?�
Roberts, T. (2002, September). Learn to care, care to learn. Educational Leadership
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Shaw, L.J. (n.d). Humanistic and social aspects of teaching. Retrieved March 1, 2006,
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[University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-text]. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing
Understanding the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (2005, November/December).
[Online], pp. 13-15. Retrieved March 1, 2006, from EBSCOhost