Philosophy of Education

Children are our future. To me, teaching is about facilitating students in discovering and

fulfilling their potential, by developing critical thinking and problem solving skills to participate

in our ever-changing world. In order for students to grow physically, cognitively, and socially, a

dependable and empathetic educator is essential in enabling this development. It is my goal to

use instruction in my classroom as an instrument for social change, where students feel safe and

motivated. To achieve this goal, I will utilize tactics involving equity, collaboration, and a

growth mindset.

I believe that every student has the right to learn; learning should not be about privilege.

My classroom will be composed of diverse learners with a wide range of abilities. To

accommodate the various needs of students, I plan to develop and implement a curriculum that is

able to be differentiated for learners of various abilities, including culturally relevant texts.

Additionally, maintaining this inclusive learning environment that supports all students will

create an anti-bullying climate. This curriculum and learning environment will optimize student

engagement and equal opportunities in learning. In biology, diversity is essential for the growth

of a community. It is my intention to instill this belief in my classroom as well.

I believe that teachers are not the holders of knowledge, but the facilitators of learning

amongst students. Fostering teacher-student and student-student relationships early in the year

will help encourage the notion that our classroom is a community that works together as a team.

I also want to emphasize the importance of parent involvement in this collaborative partnership

for the fundamental progression of student growth. My desire is for my classroom to be a place

where students with multiple perspectives work together through collaboration to promote the

common good to achieve the ultimate goal of having peace on Earth. As said by Margaret Mead,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed,

it’s the only thing that ever has.” I want to facilitate the development of these students towards

creating social change.

I believe in a growth mindset of learning, in that knowledge is something that is always

being developed. I want to embed this mindset into my students and for them to know that they

are not just born smart or not smart. I want them to believe they can always grow and develop,

regardless of who or where they are, and the power of ‘yet.’ Every child is a unique individual

that has something new to bring to the table and an ability to teach something, whether that be a

skill or life lesson. This ability includes a grand potential of things for my classroom and even

our world. As Phil Collins once said, “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.”

As an educator, I will forever be searching, learning, and evolving.

In conclusion, it is my desire to influence students to leave me better than before they met

me. To facilitate each of my diverse learners towards reaching their full potential, I will employ

approaches in equity, collaboration, and a growth mindset. This philosophy will support my goal

of using instruction in my classroom as a tool for social change, where students feel safe and

motivated, by aiding them in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to

participate in our world. The opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child and to have a

child make a difference in your life is the greatest gift of the profession. As said by Neil Postman

(1982), “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”