Molly Quinn

Teaching Philosophy Statement

I believe that a teacher is someone who students can trust with their academic and personal
problems. I want to be able to help my students not only with English, but with finding their passion
in life as well. Hopefully my classroom will be a safe environment where all students feel
comfortable enough to take risks, are motivated, and have fun learning. It is important for students
to learn in school so they can succeed later in life. By giving the students a safe environment to
learn in they will be more comfortable in exploring their passions and learning everything that the
school has to offer. As a teacher, I want to help my students become the best versions of
themselves.

I would also love to show my students how amazing literature and writing could be. I want to be
able to find a connection to each of my students on what they like to read, or write, and why they
should continue that interest. I want to grow the passions that they have and help them through
their journey.

One way to grow my students’ passions is by making sure they have the best learning environment
possible. One way to make sure students have a good learning environment is by making sure that
they feel safe enough to be themselves and express their interests. I believe that if a teacher can
connect their lessons to the students in some way it will help capture the student’s attention and
make them more motivated to learn. In order to do that you need a learning environment where
students feel safe enough to be themselves.

I think it is important to make sure that each lesson has a variety of topics, and methods of teaching,
that will allow students their best chance at learning. By giving the students multiple ways to learn
you have a better chance at meeting the needs for all of your students. I believe that one of the best
ways to do this is by following Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. This is when a teacher starts off
by taking the lead in the lesson and after a little bit the teacher and student then share the
responsibility. However, as the students become more confident in their ability, the teacher
withdraws so that the student can do it independently. I think that this is a great technique to use
in a classroom because it gives the students the support they need while also showing them that
they can do it independently. Having the students eventually do it without the teachers help will
allow them to retain it and learn it better. It will also allow them to have some say in what they
want to learn and the way they want to show that they learned it. By allowing students some choice,
you engage them more in your lesson and motivate them to work.

Being a teacher also means that you are a role model. When I was a student, I respected my teachers
and never wanted to disappoint them. However, that was only with the teachers that also respected
me. I believe that there is a balance in the classroom where a student and teacher should be
respectful of each other and, as the teacher, you have to set this example for your students. In the
classroom, students will look up to the teacher for what the tone of day, or year, will be. By
showing students that you are a safe space to learn and share they will then begin to trust you and
look up to you. I hope to be the type of teacher that students will trust, look up to, and learn from.