Teaching is about sharing information, building connections, and broadening

perspectives. The role of the teacher is to educate the students about the theory and
practice of the discipline and create a classroom environment that is a dynamic, safe
space, where students can respectfully express their opinions, beliefs, and experience
to create a dialogue. This dialogue makes the teacher-student relationship reciprocal.
The discourse created by the instruction and shared experience of the classroom
community should promote academic and personal growth for the student and the
teacher alike.

I feel that by taking a holistic approach to teaching will create an environment that
promotes mindfulness, intellectual stimulation, and student involvement. Through
assessment and the use of technology, the curriculum will allow students to progress
and engage various types of learning styles.

Promote Mindfulness
Mindfulness has brought tremendous benefit and success to my life. In the classroom,
contemplative pedagogy​ cultivates deepened awareness, concentration, and insight.
Incorporating mindfulness activities into the curriculum will minimize communication
apprehension, improve focus, and promote active listening in students. To engage
students in mindful practices that can minimize anxiety toward speaking and other fears,
a certified yoga instructor is invited to teach students breathing exercises and
meditation.

Foster Intellectual Stimulation and Student Involvement

Creating a democracy in the classroom allows the students to play an active role in the
classroom community and their course work. At the beginning of the semester I ask
each class to contribute rules to their classroom code of conduct. The classroom is a
collective and should resemble the individual and shared experience of the community.
K-W-L (Know, What to Know, Learned) strategies are used during lectures to empower
students through knowledge they already possess and to promote critical thinking about
abstract concepts by drawing from experience. Students are allowed to select the topics
for their speeches, to allow them to express their interests and bring diversity of ideas
and information to the classroom community. To fulfill the TEKS of analyzing and
evaluating the rhetorical elements in models of speeches that inform, persuade, or
inspire, students will apply the concepts, and present one informative and one
persuasive speech on a public policy issue. This socratic method of learning will help
students identify and analyze real world problems and challenge the status quo.

Assessment and Self Evaluation

It is important to assess the students knowledge of the material throughout the
semester. Student assessment is done through reviewing drafts of speech outlines,
quizzes and and exams, and teacher feedback and criticism. It is also important for the
student to reflect on their performance and address areas of concern they can work
through. After each presentation, a student is asked how they feel about their
performance and what areas they feel they could improve.

Use of Technology
A firm understanding of the use of technology for research and presentations is a skill
students will need to succeed academically and professionally. Incorporating technology
will also stimulate different learning styles, like visual learning. Lectures and notes will
be given to students in PowerPoint slide presentations. To fulfill the TEKS of
researching topics using primary and secondary sources, including electronic
technology, students will receive training from the school librarian on how to conduct
research and cite credible sources. Students will also be required to create slide decks
and create visual aids to enhance their presentations. This training will help students
become effective and ethical orators.

Closing Remarks
My goal is to facilitate a classroom environment that allows students to learn from one
another, grow from their experience, and learn applicable hard skills. Ideally, I hope my
teaching will have a positive impact on the life of a student and how they view the world.