TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
One important aspect I have noticed with my interactions with children is that building and maintaining strong relationships with them is the key to fostering a safe, positive community that is best for learning. I make it a personal goal and spend a good amount of time in creating genuine relationships with every student so I can understand who they are as a person, their interests, and their background and home life.
CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
It is my goal to build a community that is respectful, safe, comfortable, accepting, and caring for one another. In the beginning of the year, I spend a considerable amount of time coming up with expectations with my students. We build a community feel through morning circles, building relationships with each other, and collaboration.
PLANNING AND REFLECTING
One thing I am passionate about is making sure that I am purposeful and thoughtful in my lesson planning. Purposeful curriculum results in more motivation, hard working students, and a desire to learn. My learning goals drive my instruction. Also, a thoughtful and effective lesson helps facilitate a desirable behavior management in the classroom. I am constantly reflecting on my teaching practice.