Mellick 1

My philosophy of teaching focuses on the importance of building positive relationships

with students. I place a lot of value in knowing each student and making connections with them.
I believe that if students feel valued and safe, it helps them learn. I was able to model this idea
while I was observing in a sixth-grade English classroom. I tried to interact with a few students
before and during class, helping with assignments, explaining concepts, and reading with
students. Students became more comfortable with me, and I was able to learn how to help build
student skills based on their strengths and weaknesses.

A classroom should be welcoming to diversity and every student should be treated with
respect. As a teacher, I will teach my students that differences between people are to be valued
and respected. Cultures and backgrounds are to be celebrated, not assimilated in the classroom.
In our schools, we have many students from Mexico, or that have families from Mexico. It is
important to me that their culture is recognized and taught in my classroom.

I value teaching problem-solving skills, social skills, and critical thinking to my students.
It is important that my students will be able to make informed decisions and work to solve
differences using skills that they learn in the classroom. I believe that students will be able to
follow behavior modeled by me as a teacher. I value responsibility with my students. I will have
classroom jobs assigned to each student over the school year to teach my students to have pride
in their work. It is important that my students feel valued, and have pride in their work, and in
their classroom.

I believe that collaboration is an important part of teaching. I have had the opportunity to
sit in on a sixth-grade team collaboration between teachers. I see the value of discussing what
works for certain students in which classes. I believe that it is important to share ideas on how to
motivate and inspire students. Collaboration is also important because it can provide feedback,
and allow for reflection. I believe that, as a teacher, it is important to be flexible and open to
change. There is not one single right way to teach, and you must be open to adaptations.

I believe that all students should be given the opportunity to learn and that they are all
capable of learning. I have worked with students from kindergarten to seventh grade and I have
seen that students all learn differently. I have also seen that what works for one student may not
work for another. Some students are visual, some are physical, and others need to attempt on
their own before asking for help. I want to provide many opportunities for student-led learning,
and collaboration between students. It is important for students to grow socially, and learn to
work with each other inside the classroom and out.

I want to work in Special Education. I have found that I am passionate about working
with exceptional students. I enjoy working with all students, but I really enjoy working in special
education. I have observed and worked with students in an eighth grade through sixth-grade
resource room. I spent my time working one on one with students and helping them in a variety
 Mellick 2

of areas. We focused on reading, comprehension, and literacy for most of the students. Reading
is something I value, and it was great to feel like I was making a difference. I felt like this was
the best place for me. I really enjoyed the small group set up of the classroom. Students were
able to work on their own, as well as with a teacher, aide or others. It was relaxed, and I believe
that this was a very positive environment for students. I hope to adopt a similar style of work in
my classroom.

I value many things in my classroom. I value students as individuals, and as a whole. I

value critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsibility. I believe that collaboration between
students, and between educators is vital. I hope to work with exceptional students. I favor small
groups and opportunities student lead learning. I strongly believe that all students should be
given every opportunity to learn. I want to teach because I love being around students and
helping them grow. I hope to inspire my students to become active members of their
communities and have pride in themselves.