My Personal Teaching Philosophy (A Learner-Centered Approach)

Every child deserves a right to receive adequate knowledge without any discrimination.
Children with special needs are not an exception. As the saying goes, “disability is not inability”.
As a special education teacher, I have always possessed an inward compassion for my learners that
drives me towards their motivation. I hold a strong belief that all learners should be treated equally
regardless of their background, race, economic background or disabilities.

My philosophy in teaching especially in dealing with children with special needs always
goes back to this old cliche, “children first”. One of my key roles as a SPED teacher is to ensure that
these learners are not discriminated against. This can be achieved by giving them special personal
care and creating an educational plan that entails my guiding principles towards achieving the set
goals. It is also my belief that the parents, school administration and fellow learners play a key role
in helping to mould them.

In most instances, learners with special needs have a strong urge to learn. As a special
education teacher, I have to use strategies and approaches that are learner-centered. During class
instruction or in every demonstration teaching, I always make sure to establish the daily routine of
my learners because this allow them to create smoother transitions between activities and to allow
fewer opportunities for disruptions to occur. After which, it is very important to present the lesson
objectives for the day to set learners’ expectations and have a guide in the learning process.

Children with special needs possess an inner wisdom that the special education teacher helps
to uncover it. This has been established by monitoring close progress in their participation in class. I
give them a lot of hands-on activities with guidance to assist them in their own learning. I also
prepare differentiated activities for my learners so that each learner’s unique skills are addressed. It
is my belief that these children are able to learn through active participation in class activities.

I also believe that applying a Reward System or Positive Reinforcement is vital to learning
as it drives them towards their motivation to learn and participate in class activities. It also creates a
feeling of pride and achievement.

Generally, as a special education teacher, I focused on learner’s needs, abilities and

interests. Thus, making learning a better experience for my learners.

Involvement as Module/Learning Material Writer

I am one of the Division Writers for Modified Home Learning Packages for Grade 5. This photo
was takn during the Launching of the Modified Home Learning Packages at Tagoloan Central
School.