Professional Philosophy
We'll spend a lifetime crafting our teaching in
order to allow children to be the auhtors of their own texts.
-Donald Graves
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Learning, by one definition, is "an enduring change in observable behavior that occurs as a result of experience" (Eggen & Kauchak, 1997, p. 196). I believe learning to be circular. Students are not the only learners in the classroom, teachers must continuously evolve as well. Educators must adapt to their students, just as their students are adapting to the world in which they are a part of.
In my classroom I will expect students to assume responsibilty for their learning. Through my methods of curriculum structure and classroom management, students will see respect, trust, and ownership as fundamental characteristics of their learning. I believe that through responsibility students find meaning; through independence students grow.
In my classroom each student is unique and an individual mind. I will establish understanding through open communication and respect through appreciation. My classroom is their classroom. Their classroom will be respectful. Their classroom will be a haven for freedom of thought. Their classroom will be centered around their language, their stories, their goals, and their imaginations.
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Specific segments within my philosophy:
Reading Philosophy
Writing Philosophy
Language
Place Based Education
Works Cited
Now for the disclaimer:
The above ideas, thoughts, ramblings, and statements are an evolving process of "beliefs in motion." My theories are forever being altered and impacted by the world around me. I see learning within myself as a true evolution. It will forever change, just as I do, but the following sums up a bit of what I think I know...
Learning is a circular pattern of thought. In order to learn, human beings must understand themselves. In order to understand one's self, we must envision our world as a whole. My students learn from the day they are born, regardless of Socio Economic Status, race, heritage, sex, or home environment. It is my job, and my only job, to teach each student...to help each student grow. This can only be done by understanding my students as individuals. Each student is unique and therefore, my approach must be unique as well. I must be flexible in order to succeed. I must be humble in order to learn. I must be strong in order to lead.
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McCool Junction Public Schools
and
Educational Service Unit #6, Milford, Nebraska
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