Carolyn

Dirienzo
April 26, 2016
Reflective Practice Response
During my time at Bradley, my teaching philosophy has developed and
changed beginning with my first experience observing in a classroom to my last
experience student teaching in a classroom of 19 students. I have grown both as a
person and as a teacher, learning more about myself through the interactions and
teaching experiences I have had with young children. What I aspire to be as an early
childhood educator is not only helping children learn fundamental skills but getting
them excited to explore new things and learning through interactive activities giving
them a life long love of learning. My love of learning has flourished over the past
four years, and I am eager to share it with my future students.
Each child is a unique individual who deserves a secure, caring, and
stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually,
physically, and socially. I have learned as an early childhood teacher it is most
important to create a learning environment where my students feel safe and loved.
Standard Four focuses on structuring a learning environment that is safe and
healthy. In order of accomplishing this belief, I have discovered that I must take the
time to know and understand the characteristics and needs of my students. Instead
of thinking of my class as a whole, I have learned to take the time to invest in each
one of my individual students. I ask about their families, observe what they like and
dislike, and engage with personal conversations about how they are feeling.
Welcoming my students is one of my favorite parts of the day because I get to talk to

each student and see how he/she is feeling. I have grown from being shy and asking
surface-level questions to now knowing what their sibling names are and what
makes them happy or what makes them mad. By acknowledging their feelings, I
have learned to adapt to the needs of my students and to create a learning
environment that is fit to the needs of each of my individual students.
Another area of my philosophy that has developed over the past four years
relates to Standard 2. Building Family and Community Relationships and Standard
6. Becoming a Professional. Establishing a healthy relationship with both the
parents and school community is an area that I have grown and matured in over the
past four years. I have seen firsthand how a positive relationship with a students
parent effects their learning development. Taking the time to create a relationship
that incorporates the parents into their students learning is beneficial for both the
student and the parent. When I was a freshman, my philosophy did not even
mention creating a collaborative relationship with both parents and school
community. I was focused more on what takes place inside of the classroom. Now
having four years experience in the classroom and interacting with numerous
parents, I have realized that a childs learning and growth begins with their parents
and continues at home, not just at school. I also have developed my collaborative
skills when working with both teachers and the school community. Listening to
others ideas and incorporating them with my own has benefited my teaching skills.
Also, by collaborating with the school community, I have been able to plan and
implement themed lessons that involve parent/community involvement.

Both my novice and student teaching experiences have assured me of my

passion for teaching. My teaching philosophy has shaped me into the teacher I am
today and it has provided a strong backbone for me when entering a new classroom
or school environment.