"Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."
- Rita Pierson
- Rita Pierson
Philosophy of Education
I believe that education is an individual and unique experience for every student who enters a classroom setting. In order for young people to benefit from their education, it is imperative that educators understand the significant role that they play in the lives of their students. First, teachers must understand that being an educator is not just a job title; rather it is a calling that entails having a certain lifestyle where one is constantly learning and contributing to their community in innovative and meaningful ways. As professionals entrusted with the education of young minds, educators need to facilitate learning and growth not only academically but also socially, emotionally and ethically. By providing an enriching education to each individual in one's classroom, a teacher equips students with the skills and attitudes necessary for future success.
In order to accomplish these goals, it is important to first establish a mutually respectful, caring and honest relationship with students; a relationship in which open and honest communication is of the highest priority. Through this type of relationship, a fair, democratic environment based on trust and respect can be established in the classroom, making it possible for students to interact confidently and safely with their teacher and their peers in an academic setting. Once this foundation is established, an educator has already accomplished a major goal: the characteristics of a learning environment based on trust, equality and positive communication where one leads by example and inspires others to do the same. Demonstrating these behaviours in the classroom and expecting students to model them prepares youth for their life beyond the educational system.
Academic learning must begin with inspiration and motivation. Students deserve an educator's passion for the subject matter they teach and their devotion to lifelong learning. Teaching and learning thus become a simultaneous journey for both the educator and the student when the students' energy is aroused by a teacher's genuine interest and passion for learning, because everyone is a ready, willing and active participant in their own learning. To achieve active learning, a teacher must exhibit enthusiasm and express confidence in the abilities of their students to learn and be successful in their future endeavours. Employing constructivist methods of teaching in one's classroom asks students to take an active role in their education by making their own decisions and assuming responsibility for their learning. For instance, experiential learning, discussions, and inquiry-based projects ensure student achievement and allow both the students and their teacher to discover individual strengths as well as their own personal preferences. This approach to teaching facilitates differentiated activities and instruction for each student's distinct ambitions, thus making the subject matter being taught more relevant to the life of the student.
Personal growth is accomplished when a teacher adopts the role of a mentor. Displaying warmth and compassion shows students that their teacher cares about them and is an empathetic person. One on one mentoring involves personal conversations about goals and taking the time to share experiences and ideas. To be a mentor to every student, a teacher must project positivity, demonstrate flexibility and confidence, set high expectations for themselves and their students and exhibit fairness and consistency in the classroom. By doing so, students can see and understand appropriate adult behaviours first-hand and begin to emulate them as they mature into adults.
I believe that all children have the ability to learn and the right to a dynamic education that will prepare them for the future. All students, regardless of cultural background, socioeconomic status or aptitude should have the opportunity to learn from professional, compassionate and well-informed teachers who are sophisticated and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and in life. Certainly, every child has different learning styles, preferences, and capabilities; however, by developing a personal relationship with each of their students, an educator can give each an equal chance at future success. By recognizing the potential in every young person and having individual goals for each of their students, educators can accommodate the personal needs and abilities of their students, thus encouraging the pursuit of academic pursuits.
I think that teaching and learning are reciprocal processes. When educators nurture the individual talents in each of their students, teachers can build self-esteem and may encourage or promote a lifelong passion or skill in that subject area. By supporting these special abilities, teachers are able to allow student interest to guide the learning of their students. In turn, students could also enlighten teachers about subjects that they may not be as knowledgeable about. This mutual respect for individuality cultivates a professional academic environment, leading to a give and take relationship between the teacher and student. This allows students to feel like their ideas and thoughts matter and that they are on even intellectual ground with their teacher, thus creating a strong academic atmosphere that is focused on growth and progress for both.
In addition to having a symbiotic relationship with my students, it is vitally important for teachers to form partnerships with colleagues. Consistent communication among educators will promote the sharing of ideas and provide a strong network of support. By working as an educational team, teachers will continue to develop their skills and give the best education possible to their students.
In choosing to become an educator, I have made the commitment to myself and to future generations to become the best educator and mentor that I can be. I strive to instill a deep passion for learning in my students and to foster mutually respectful and caring relationships with my students, colleagues and the community at large. It is my goal to have an enriching career by developing my interests and strengths as an educator, encouraging responsible citizenship in my students and setting high standards for my students and myself. In conclusion, being entrusted to shape the minds of future generations by helping them to become innovative, globally aware, and compassionate individuals is a task I take very seriously. I love being an educator and will always strive to do my personal best for my students, colleagues, and my community.
In order to accomplish these goals, it is important to first establish a mutually respectful, caring and honest relationship with students; a relationship in which open and honest communication is of the highest priority. Through this type of relationship, a fair, democratic environment based on trust and respect can be established in the classroom, making it possible for students to interact confidently and safely with their teacher and their peers in an academic setting. Once this foundation is established, an educator has already accomplished a major goal: the characteristics of a learning environment based on trust, equality and positive communication where one leads by example and inspires others to do the same. Demonstrating these behaviours in the classroom and expecting students to model them prepares youth for their life beyond the educational system.
Academic learning must begin with inspiration and motivation. Students deserve an educator's passion for the subject matter they teach and their devotion to lifelong learning. Teaching and learning thus become a simultaneous journey for both the educator and the student when the students' energy is aroused by a teacher's genuine interest and passion for learning, because everyone is a ready, willing and active participant in their own learning. To achieve active learning, a teacher must exhibit enthusiasm and express confidence in the abilities of their students to learn and be successful in their future endeavours. Employing constructivist methods of teaching in one's classroom asks students to take an active role in their education by making their own decisions and assuming responsibility for their learning. For instance, experiential learning, discussions, and inquiry-based projects ensure student achievement and allow both the students and their teacher to discover individual strengths as well as their own personal preferences. This approach to teaching facilitates differentiated activities and instruction for each student's distinct ambitions, thus making the subject matter being taught more relevant to the life of the student.
Personal growth is accomplished when a teacher adopts the role of a mentor. Displaying warmth and compassion shows students that their teacher cares about them and is an empathetic person. One on one mentoring involves personal conversations about goals and taking the time to share experiences and ideas. To be a mentor to every student, a teacher must project positivity, demonstrate flexibility and confidence, set high expectations for themselves and their students and exhibit fairness and consistency in the classroom. By doing so, students can see and understand appropriate adult behaviours first-hand and begin to emulate them as they mature into adults.
I believe that all children have the ability to learn and the right to a dynamic education that will prepare them for the future. All students, regardless of cultural background, socioeconomic status or aptitude should have the opportunity to learn from professional, compassionate and well-informed teachers who are sophisticated and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and in life. Certainly, every child has different learning styles, preferences, and capabilities; however, by developing a personal relationship with each of their students, an educator can give each an equal chance at future success. By recognizing the potential in every young person and having individual goals for each of their students, educators can accommodate the personal needs and abilities of their students, thus encouraging the pursuit of academic pursuits.
I think that teaching and learning are reciprocal processes. When educators nurture the individual talents in each of their students, teachers can build self-esteem and may encourage or promote a lifelong passion or skill in that subject area. By supporting these special abilities, teachers are able to allow student interest to guide the learning of their students. In turn, students could also enlighten teachers about subjects that they may not be as knowledgeable about. This mutual respect for individuality cultivates a professional academic environment, leading to a give and take relationship between the teacher and student. This allows students to feel like their ideas and thoughts matter and that they are on even intellectual ground with their teacher, thus creating a strong academic atmosphere that is focused on growth and progress for both.
In addition to having a symbiotic relationship with my students, it is vitally important for teachers to form partnerships with colleagues. Consistent communication among educators will promote the sharing of ideas and provide a strong network of support. By working as an educational team, teachers will continue to develop their skills and give the best education possible to their students.
In choosing to become an educator, I have made the commitment to myself and to future generations to become the best educator and mentor that I can be. I strive to instill a deep passion for learning in my students and to foster mutually respectful and caring relationships with my students, colleagues and the community at large. It is my goal to have an enriching career by developing my interests and strengths as an educator, encouraging responsible citizenship in my students and setting high standards for my students and myself. In conclusion, being entrusted to shape the minds of future generations by helping them to become innovative, globally aware, and compassionate individuals is a task I take very seriously. I love being an educator and will always strive to do my personal best for my students, colleagues, and my community.