Mikayla Gerber

October 30th, 2019

SPEC_ED 420

Inclusive Philosophy Statement

Throughout my time spent in the Elementary Education program at Washington State

University, I have come to recognize the importance of creating an inclusive classroom that

celebrates the difference of all my students. We have completed many projects that allow us to

research different cultures and communities to become more informed on the backgrounds our

students may have. These projects have helped me understand the significance of knowing who

your students are and what they bring to the classroom. To become more familiarized with my

students, I plan incorporate more student interest worksheets that ask the students to describe

their likes and dislikes. This strategy is frequently used in my advanced practicum class as my

teacher utilizes the student’s responses to inform her teaching. For example, my student with

autism has become obsessed with acorns which influenced her to do a lesson on arrays using

acorns. As a result of this lesson incorporating a student’s interests, the student and his peers

were more engaged and eager to participate. Another aspect of inclusion that is important to

include in the classroom is fighting for the needs of our students. As teachers, we should always

be on the hunt for ways to best accommodate each student and their needs. This has become

clear throughout my time spent in my special education course as we frequently discuss the need

to advocate for our diverse learners and provide a voice for their success within and without the

classroom. Although I believe I have the skills to be an inclusive teacher, I am not done learning

new strategies to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. I plan to
continue educating myself on new ways to become more informed on the many different learners

I will have in my classroom.