Teaching Philosophy: Teaching is like Skipping Stones
I believe teaching is like skipping stones, the students are the stones, and the ripples are the effect I have on them throughout their lives. Each student will enter the classroom with diverse strengths and gifts; it is my job to encourage students to utilize their gifts and foster their strengths to lead them to success. Students are affected by what is shown in the classroom and how I approach my lessons. Stones are affected by obstacles in the water, like how different life circumstances disrupt students’ daily lives. Teachers must create a sense of safety in the classroom for all students to feel welcome.
Finding the stones
Stones come in all shapes and sizes; no two rocks are identical, like students who come into the classroom from all different backgrounds. I must find out who my students are and see the unique attributes they bring into my classroom. Having diverse representation in the classroom enables students to view themselves in the material they are learning. Without diverse representation, the students (stones) stop engaging in the learning, and thus the ripples stop. I will continue to learn and do more to provide an optimal learning experience for my students. A space where all is welcome, and we learn together to create a more equitable future.
Throwing the stone
Since each stone is different, I must throw some stones differently to skip effectively. Developing a relationship between the teacher and students allows them to trust me to guide them as far as they can go on the water. I believe that it is my job to be flexible to fit the needs of all my students and find solutions to when lessons do not go as planned. It also forces the thrower to adapt and change how each stone is being thrown. Adapting to enhance the student’s success by recognizing their strengths; means differentiating based on different students’ needs. The student needs to feel seen in the classroom. It is my job to have this representation in the classroom because without representation results from me not throwing and angling all stones (students) in a way that results in a successful skipping (learning).
Stones Going through the water
The uniqueness of each stone means it travels through the water differently and faces various obstacles that occur. I want my students to adapt to unforeseen events in their surroundings, the waters’ current can be unpredictable, and I want my students to be equipped with strategies to overcome challenges. Learning is a lifelong process for both myself as a teacher and my students. As I travel through my teaching, I will continue to grow and adapt to ensure my students get the best possible learning environment. For my students, I believe in creating an environment in which students question, wonder, and think about all aspects of life and have the desire and love to continue to learn; skipping on the water.
Ripples Effect
As the teacher, I am the stone thrower, and it is my job to prepare my students to cross the water; it’s the student who uses what they have learned to get themselves through the teachings. I can grow as a teacher by observing the outcomes and ripples from the students throughout the year. I believe it is my job to ensure my students are prepared and ready to travel the water. Teaching is like skipping stones.