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| My Educational Philosophy From Beliefs to Practices One of my greatest desires for my students is that they realize the relevancy of learning in their lives. I want them to embrace the opportunity to learn as a life-long treasure, to see the entire world as their classroom, and to honor every nation as their neighbor. Ever mindful of these things, my students will be better equipped to procure an enriching life and a more humane world. I firmly believe that as a teacher it is my priviledge, and my responsibility, to facilitate this process by empowering all of my students to feel celebrated as capable consumers and producers of knowledge. When I introduce myself to my classes each fall, I tell each of them that I do not view teaching as a spectator sport wherein I "perform" while they observe. I tell them that I believe that learning is active - it is something we do that changes us in some way. It changes our thinking, our behavior, our concerns, our passions. Learning is something we do - we all do - to survive, more importantly to thrive. I inform them that I do not view myself as the supreme vessel of knowledge from which they are to drink, nor are they empty urns to be filled. I want them to realize that we are all consumers and producers of knowledge in the classroom - that we all have a lot to share and much to learn. I want them to know that I have high expectations of them and of myself. We will be learning from and with each other -I assure them - because I am their teacher as they are mine. What is required of me? That which is required of every teacher: enthusiasm, concern, sincerity, compassion, scholarship, fairness, respect. A love of learning, and the desire to inspire. I expect no less of my teachers. I demand no less of myself. |
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