“Life is not about finding yourself; life is about creating yourself.” As a teacher I will guide each student to create the person that they want to become. By getting to know each one of my students individually, I will gain a deep understanding of their culture, abilities, past experiences, and future ambitions. I believe that by valuing what each child brings to school, students will love and respect themselves and their peers.
My classroom door and heart is always open not only for my students’ academic challenges, but also for their personal situations. I will foster the development of skills that will be used in an academic setting and also be applicable throughout students’ lives. Holding high standards for each child regardless of their culture, language, or ability increases students’ motivation and academic success. By differentiating instruction I will create multiple paths so that students of different abilities and learning needs, experience equally appropriate ways to be engaged and develop knowledge.
Support from the teacher and peers are vital in establishing a strong classroom community. To build a positive identity, students need to be given opportunities to share who they are with the class and this starts from the teacher’s appreciation of each student. I believe that children will gain knowledge when they are in a safe and secure environment. When students feel accepted by their peers they feel comfortable to take-risks. It is my desire that students embrace each others differences and respect their varying opinions. When students support each other and see their differences as an asset instead of a deficit, they are more inclined to engage in open discussion and learning.
Using Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory that learning is a social act, I will develop cooperative groups where students are encouraged to share personal experiences that relate to the topic of discussion and curriculum. In small group interactions, students can scaffold one another by clarifying questions to better understand the lesson. Ultimately, students will realize that not only is the teacher a resource, but their fellow classmates are valuable resources for learning, compassion, and friendship.
Beyond understanding the content within the curriculum, I will foster critical thinking, facilitate acquisition of skills and language, provide problem solving activities, and prepare students to become informed and contributing individuals in a culturally diverse global society. This will be obtained by using gradual release in which I first model content for students, give them opportunities to work through strategies in small groups, and expect each student to use content independently. Through the use of hands on activities, students will engage with the curriculum instead of just absorbing information.
Developing the curriculum around student interests and experiences fosters motivation and excitement to learn. By creating a student-centered classroom, students are able to take ownership of their learning and see themselves as being empowered to reach their goals. Teaching for social justice will facilitate students’ learning in order for them to value differences, recognize injustice, and take action against injustice. I am determined to educate my student how to become activists within their school and community. When students see themselves as being a vital part of the classroom and their community they will be more engaged which leads to better classroom management.
I strongly believe that parent and community involvement allow children to see their home and school lives as rich environments for learning. Parent involvement is vital and it can be obtained through the use of curriculum nights, parent workshops, and an abundant amount of opportunities for parents to engage with their child in and outside of the classroom.
Being a lifelong learner as a teacher shows children how to continually explore their curiosities. Each child brings different perspectives, background knowledge, culture, and skills derived from their culture and personal experiences. Being an English language learner myself has taught me how vital it is to incorporate and acknowledge students native language and heritage. Including all students’ traditions and values allows for diverse learners to grow into confident individuals both academically and personally.
