Statement of Educational Philosophy

Sarah Mariola Kecik-Li

My core belief, which is spun through all my teaching practices, is that if a classroom can

form a secure and stable community of learners in which children are allowed to express

themselves freely, they will naturally develop a thirst for lifelong learning and independent

discovery.

As all children are inherently unique, possess their own special characteristics, and bring

their own set of prior experiences to the classroom, it is important for them to be

acknowledged and respected as individuals. Each student may come to school with their own

interests, carrying different viewpoints, and from diverse backgrounds. I hope to be able to

bring all these individuals together and help them create a set of strong bonds and a sense of

belonging. I believe that it is of the utmost importance to foster children’s empathy

development. To truly understand others and their viewpoints, accept them for who they are,

and themselves feel listened to, is a ‘gift that keeps giving’ for students, peers, educators, and

the community surrounding them alike. My aim is hereby for students to develop themselves

to the best of their potential. Research as empirically shown that young learners grasp the

intended teaching outcomes best in an environment which encourages listening to each other.

Being a positive example who makes sure everyone’s needs are met equally and with equity,

is one part of the process. Just as a shepherd, I see my role as a tender guide and learning

facilitator. As my sheep move along pastures, it is my responsibility to choose the greenest

meadows, help them find shelter, and raise their awareness of dangers, from which I will

shield them persistently.

 Therefore, I part of my role that I will take up as teacher is to aid each student in their quest

to discover their own abilities and learning styles. My curriculum will be adaptable,

incorporating various distinct sensory stimulations and drawing connections to children’s

daily lives and cultures.

While it is important to set the appropriate atmosphere to be able to learn efficiently, I also

put emphasis on the importance of enjoying the process of learning and learning through

play. Both children and adults tend to have higher processing abilities better in a relaxed

environment. I also find, that is it important to try to make the students really understand a

subject, rather than memorise something, only.

Being born into a rural community myself, I have often gotten the opportunity to directly

interact with nature. Surrounded by the outdoors, there were always need plants growing,

weather changing, seasons differing from year to year, school field trips to lush forests, tall

mountains, and long stretches of beaches. I have come to realise that this exposure to an

open, as well as hands-on, environment has sparked an innate curiosity and inquisitiveness

within me. Europe, existing as a melting pot of not only cultures but also landscapes, has

shaped me into an individual who is confident in navigating the globe, loving to absorb

intercontinental types of knowledge, as well as question the things I hear and see in order to

understand the true meaning of others and my impressions.

It is because of this, that I aim to let children freely explore their surroundings, so they may

naturally develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, along with a

life-long thirst for learning.

To encourage this further, the scientific method of questioning, predicting, experimenting,

observing, explaining, and discussing, is being interwoven throughout all of my teachings. I

also value the integration of vast variations of manipulative materials, written word

publications, works of art, technology and movement inside my curriculum.

This diversification can hereby cater to my learner’s individual needs and keep lessons

interesting and innovative. My daily planning will involve a variety of collaborative learning

and independent work, that engage and activate students learning, through projects within the

school premises and outside of them.

Lastly, being a teacher also means that I am and continue to be as much of a learner as my

students, and I tend to follow trends, mainly within linguistics, English learning, creative arts,

and STEAM, but also new educational studies and discoveries, as closely as possible.

Sarah Mariola Kecik-Li