ECS 303 Teaching Philosophy

Throughout this semester, I have gone through many experiences that have caused me to grow and evolve in my beliefs about teaching. This document will serve to outline my teaching philosophies. Of all my beliefs about teaching, the one that has been reinforced the most throughout this semester is that I believe in creating equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of skill level. Having been placed in a grade 2/3 split classroom for my pre-internship, I was exposed to so many wonderful students who all varied greatly in their abilities. However, one thing that I learned was that no matter what lesson I planned, as long as I made sure that it was accessible to students of every level, the lesson was always worthwhile. As an educator, our pedagogies are constantly evolving and being shaped, and this belief of mine demonstrates how we must learn to be adaptable so that we can use our pedagogies to best benefit our students. I would say that this is also extremely applicable for assessment as we need to be providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in various ways as not all students are able to express their knowledge in the same way.

In addition to this, I also believe that inclusivity is a key aspect to learning and individual growth. As a student who moved frequently throughout childhood, I am well accustomed to the feeling of unwelcoming and this is something that I will always strive my best to dispel. Every student deserves to feel welcomed and safe in their learning environment, and most importantly, that they belong. As we learned about the circle of courage this semester, this aspect of belonging continued to stand out to me and to reinforce my beliefs regarding an inclusive classroom for all. This is essential in teaching for social justice as every student has the right to feel as though they belong and as though they are valued.

Aside from these two beliefs of mine, I believe in not only being a role model for my students, but in shaping my students into role models as well. My pre-internship experience has shown me time and time again just how much students look up to their teachers and want to make them proud. So, it is essential that we as educators demonstrate to our students more than just being studious. We need to be models of emotional regulation, models of kind cooperation with our colleagues, and models of respectful behaviour to not just others, but to ourselves and the environment as well. Students need to see us make mistakes and learn from our actions to know how to act themselves when similar situations arise. In this way, students can see and understand how the skills that they learn in school are just as useful as they age, thus encouraging them to be lifelong learners. I could write pages upon pages about what I believe in regards to teaching, but all of the points that I have outlined within this document are those that most closely reflect my teaching beliefs and who I am as an educator.

My educational beliefs fall mainly under the philosophy of Social Reconstructionism. Here are my personal beliefs that will help demonstrate this.

I believe that inclusivity is a key aspect to learning and individual growth.

I believe in creating a welcoming and approachable environment for every student in and out of the classroom.

I believe in educating in a manner that respects all backgrounds and faiths.

I believe in not only being a role model for the students, but in shaping students into role models as well. 

I believe in providing equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of skill level. 

I believe in learning through experiences and activities that provide a memorable understanding.

I believe in ensuring that all students feel cared for in a way that encourages them to care for others as well.

I believe in adjusting teaching techniques according to classroom difference.

I believe in building student confidence through positive feedback.