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- Philosophy Statement
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Professional Teaching Standards
- 1. Content Knowledge >
- 2. Human Development and Learning >
- 3. Diversity >
- 4. Planning for Instruction >
- 5. Learning Environment >
- 6. Instructional Delivery >
- 7. Communication >
- 8. Assessment >
- 9. Collaborative Relationships >
- 10. Reflection and Professional Growth >
- 11. Professional Conduct and Leadership >
- Language Arts Standards
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Technology Standards
- 1. Basic Computer/Technology Operations & Concepts >
- 2. Personal and Professional Use of Technology >
- 3. Application of Technology Instruction >
- 4. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues >
- 5. Productivity Tools >
- 6. Telecommunication and Information Access >
- 7. Research, Problem Solving, and Product Devolopment >
- 8. Information Literacy Skills >
- Impact on Learning
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela
There are a lot of things that can be said on education and its significant implications. In this particular quote, Nelson Mandela brings up a very important effect that education has on each of us as individuals in society. In concordance with Mandela’s perspective on education, I view it as the uniquely important opportunity of professionals to transform lives and further society by creating knowledge and utilizing this knowledge towards innovation, invention, and improvement. This special opportunity that teachers are given to educate children allows these kids to become knowledgeable adults who are adequately prepared to change our world.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of teaching is that teachers establish a community within the teaching and learning environments. This is essential to quality education because when there is a clear sense of community in a classroom everyone feels more comfortable and eager to learn. This sense of community should include maintenance of a positive and effective learning environment that recognizes the diverse talents and needs of all students as well as established strong relationships with significant others such as parents, colleagues, and administrative personnel. Based on my belief of community in the learning environment I plan to have a clear set of rules that everyone must follow as well as a specific set of goals that we will all strive to reach as a class. I also plan on having colorful posters with positive messages written on them throughout the classroom to enforce positive thinking and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, I would give each student alternating weekly job duties in order to enhance their responsibility skills that they will need in any community as well as organize biweekly meetings or phone conversations with students’ parents and other colleagues.
I believe that guiding the development of inquiring and reflective minds is also an essential part of education that must be consistently practiced by the teacher. On the basis of this belief, I would encourage students to always ask questions and wonder why something is the way it is. I would have students critically think about and further discuss issues that affect them and also relate to subject matter that we have gone over in class. In addition, I would not only have students reflect on their own performance by filling out self-evaluation sheets on certain projects or assignments they have completed, but also I would assess and reflect on my students’ learning progress in order to figure out ways in which I can revise and improve my teaching strategies.
I believe that developing cooperation and teamwork amongst a group of diverse students is an important part of education because it teaches the students how to work productively with many types of people in multiple ways. On the basis of this belief, I would have the students complete group projects as well as discuss certain stories that we have read or interesting activities that we have done in small groups. I would also have the class brainstorm on a big art project that they all could complete together based on their understanding of a specific unit taught in class.
I believe that becoming familiar with and adapting to new creations and technological advances of our world is crucial to education because it is the teacher’s responsibility to give the students a smooth transition into larger society. Having the students use technology such as computers and smart boards for research or presentations is an example of what I would do in the classroom based on this belief. I would also have students utilize multimedia sources and learn about new innovations or inventions that have been recently created in society.
Education is a powerful thing that must be guided by the right instructors. These instructors must have valid, moral, and strong-held beliefs that will guide their instructional practices and strategies. My own beliefs hold that the importance of education lies in community, inquiring minds, cooperation, and technological knowledge. Each of these factors help to comprise my complete philosophy on education, which shall lead me into becoming the best professional teacher I can possibly be.