Sofia Ortega

Philosophy of Education

I believe the purpose of education is to help students achieve their personal goals,
dreams, and aspirations. I want to be the tool that further empowers students to reach their full
potential and help them fortify their passions. It's critical that I educate them about their rights as
humans to advocate for themselves. This is especially important for students with disabilities
since they are often ostracized and taken advantage of in society. This population is capable of
achieving many academic and post-academic goals with adequate support. As a special
education teacher, I must find and implement a level of support that works best with their
individual learning styles.

First and foremost, I want to provide an environment within the classroom that allows
students to feel safe and comfortable. Students shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes, and I must
clarify that these trials are the obstacles that strengthen the learning. Implementing and having
conversations about growth mindset will have the students understand that challenging situations
create the foundation for success. I must also make an ambiance with structure and order to
understand the class's expectations thoroughly. This includes daily schedules, clocks, and visual
reminders of those expectations.

I believe it’s essential to focus on integrating social and emotional learning since these
are critical skills not only within the school environment but also for life after. We are social
beings with emotions. It is essential to understand oneself and others. Students must realize that
they are respected, and their thoughts and feelings matter because they matter. So allowing
multiple and consistent opportunities for students to practice and actively reflect on their
thoughts, feelings and other people's emotions is pertinent.

I also want to continue to become more culturally competent to ensure my students reach
their full potential. This means allowing them to showcase their culture and integrating culturally
responsive teaching. Being culturally competent also includes breaking down stereotypes and
personal biases. I must constantly reflect on my thoughts and feelings to make sure they aren't
creating a barrier that will be detrimental to my future students' learning.

Collaborating with parents in the learning of their child is another vital aspect. They must
also be heard and understood. Parents must be provided with resources and be kept updated on
their child's progress. This is not only during important meetings such as IEPs but throughout the
school year. Even sending home simple positive notes when their child achieved or demonstrated
an important skill such as helping a friend solve a conflict or being on task the entire time. When
parents and teachers successfully collaborate, it benefits the child.
 In terms of teaching, the Universal Design for Learning will be a fundamental feature. I
must provide students with various ways to learn, engage, and show what they have learned.
There are so many learning styles that incorporating as many as possible will fortify the student's
engagement and learning. Using differentiation to meet each child in their zone of proximal
development is also necessary. Implementing explicit instruction is also pivotal. I must
constantly be assessing and monitoring student learning to ensure they are making adequate
progress. When they are not, I must reflect on all areas that I can alter to remove the barriers.

Being a teacher is also being a student. I need to be constantly learning ways to better
support my students by acquiring new knowledge and strategies. I aspire to be a teacher that
creates an environment that values differences and highlights individuality for students to
succeed as lifelong learners.