Margaret Foster
Integrating Technology Into Curriculum
Professor Wolfe
September 19 2019
My Teaching Philosophy
My belief is that we aren’t just teaching curriculum as educators, we are assisting in the growth of
adults. The purpose of teaching is to imbue our students with the knowledge to be successful in the
furthering of their education, careers, and overall quality of life. We are with our students for hours on
end, and we are told to teach them specific materials, sometimes in specific ways. The curriculum we
have to teach can feel like restraints, especially when you consider just how much there is to learn and
how many different ways there are to learn them. However, we do what we can with the time that we
have. Teachers work their very hardest lesson planning, grading, and ultimately sacrificing precious time
in order to help in the development of today’s youth and tomorrow’s adults.
I wholeheartedly believe that it is our duty as educators to go above and beyond our calling. We
aren’t called to just teach math or science or english or technology. We are called to teach critical
thinking skills and problem solving. We are called to teach conflict de escalation, not just “color in the
lines, Mr/Ms Student”. When we allow ourselves to sink into the routine of mediocrity, we deny
ourselves the opportunity to reach our full potential and we deny our children the opportunity to grow into
self-sufficient adults. I recognize that these aren’t our children, but they are our kids.1
We are ushering in a new era of humans and they have the potential to bring about necessary
change. They have the power to move mountains and stop the tides. I completely believe in the future that
our children hold, and I see it every time I look into my own daughter’s eyes. I see it when I look at my
first graders smiling because they completed their math worksheets correctly. I see it when I look at the
other students’ successes and failures that I am lucky enough to have witnessed.
1
Now, I am not saying that we sacrifice time with our own families and our own children, but I do
encourage any student or teacher reading this to go above and beyond in the ways that are appropriate for
your family and health.
Commented [1]: Your paper flowed really well and was
straight to the point.
Commented [RW2]: Margaret… I’d love to see more …
Idea Dev-Great start on your developing of ideas…I want to see more
quotes related to your passion, with more ethical or psychological
arguments related to your purpose and understanding of learning.
Wonderful job on the practical side related to your purposes for teaching. By
including very specific examples of teaching strategies, assignments,
discussions, etc., you are able to let your reader take a mental “peek” into
your classroom.
Illustrative- great job here also…I’d like to see more specific examples on
your academic work and how it has &/or will help you in your field.
Writing Quality-Great start. Make sure to always do a grammar & spelling
check for every paper or assignment you turn in to any professor or boss,
etc… (time4learning.com)
For Example: It says that people construct their own understanding and
knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those
experiences.
The main activity in a constructivist classroom is solving problems. ...
In social constructivist classrooms collaborative learning is a process of
peer interaction that is mediated and structured by the teacher.
Constructivist Theory (Jerome Bruner) - A major theme in
the theoretical framework of Bruner is that learning is an active process in
which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon their
current/past knowledge. ...The instructor and student should engage in an
active dialog (i.e., Socratic learning).
Always Proof-Read & Spell/Grammar check all your
papers/work before submitting…!
Commented [RW3]: …the curriculum
Commented [4]: Sentence doesn't transition too well when
going from hardest to lesson.
Commented [RW5]: English
Commented [RW6]: …problem-solving
Commented [RW7]: …de-escalation
Commented [RW8]: Ms.
Margaret Foster

Integrating Technology Into Curriculum

Professor Wolfe

September 19 2019

The implementation of this philosophy was difficult. But, I discovered how to change my habits Commented [9]: Change to in despite.

when I had to cover for the computer lab (we call it BrainPop at the program) one evening and I had a few

children come up to me saying they no longer wanted to work on their computers. I had an epiphany that

day. I caught myself about to say what I had heard many teachers and aides say before me- “Stare at the

wall.” But, before the words left my mouth, I checked myself and made myself an active participant in

their learning. Many of my students do not have ample time with their families to work on homework or

study for their tests. I asked them if they needed help with homework and I sat down with them to help. I

do it every day I have the chance to. Sometimes I will bring PlayDoh so we can do some math or try to

make some letters with it on days they do not have any homework. I have also caught myself telling my

students “no tattling” whenever they come up to tell me of a transgression against them. Now, I recognize

that instinct and fight it. I encourage my students to tell their friend if that friend has hurt them as well as

apologize if they have hurt their friend. We stopped saying “it’s okay” and started saying “I accept your Commented [RW10]: …its

apology”. We go above and beyond not in the big moments, but in the small ones that I used to brush off.

We teach them what it means to truly learn not just material, but how to be self sufficient. Commented [RW11]: …self-sufficient

Any chance we get to help our students grow and develop, we need to take it. We need to show

them how to take the initiative in their own learning, their own lives. If our own nation is by the people,

for the people, then why can’t we be for our students? We are one of their few greatest advocates and

influencers. A beautiful opportunity like that should never be ignored. Therefore, my teaching philosophy

is to embrace our calling. Be educators. Be developers. Raise leaders.