Philosphy+of+Education

= Philosophy of Education =

I began my journey towards teaching about ten years ago, when I became a dance instructor. I had just graduated from North Carolina State University and was working in retail in Human Resources and Management. I had been involved in dance since I was a little girl, so I was very excited about the opportunity to work with kids and help them become a dancer; I never dreamed what it would become. When I entered the dance studio on my first day I noticed a sign above the door that said, “There is a dancer inside everyone.” I thought to myself where did this come from, I know lots of people who can’t dance. After teaching there for a few years, the truth in this statement shined through. Everyone may not be a prima ballerina but there is potential with everyone. This can be seen within the instructional classroom setting as well, just as there is a dancer inside everyone, there is also a learner inside everyone. A couple of years ago I began working as a teacher assistant in an elementary school. I started working with third grade students who were considered “intervention groups”. These children were either already receiving special education services, they were going through student support team, or they were just low performing students. After a couple of weeks of working with them I remembered the sign above the dance studio door, I could find the “dancer” inside these students as well. This small group of students led me to the path of education. The students in my group needed intense direct instruction in reading and math to help them succeed. I went into every lesson with high standards for each individual child, and the belief that they could accomplish the tasks that I had assigned. Students at every level need to have high achievable standards set for them. I always used research-based interventions with the children. Many of these students were currently involved in an RTI program, so direct intervention was a necessity. I also had to monitor their progress on a regular basis to be sure they were benefiting from the small group and did not need further interventions. For all students a structured learning environment with high standards is vital to assist them in achieving success. The need for real life explanations will also help the students with a more in-depth comprehension. They need to see how the material they are learning is relevant. In my previous experiences and in my classroom as a teacher, the students will understand why they need to learn each concept. I will make sure they are able to see the big picture involved in their education. The more they are able to visualize the purpose of learning the content the better prepared they will be and the more successful they will become. It is important to me to continue my education, especially once I have become a teacher in my own classroom. The world of education changes on a regular basis, it is extremely important to enhance my education so I can further assist my students. It will also be important to collaborate with my colleagues to gain some further insight on students or research based interventions to implement with my students. Since my goal is to work in special education, my communication with general education classroom teachers is important for the education of the students serviced in both general education curriculum and through special education services. I plan to take an active role in the school community that I work in, it is important for teachers to take on multiple roles within the field of education. One goal I hope to implement when I become a teacher is to start an elementary school electronic newspaper. Technology is always changing and with the new concept of 21st century learning and integration of technology into all aspects of education, an electronic newspaper would fulfill both standards. Students would have an opportunity to practice their writing skills, interviewing skills, creativity, etc. They would also have the opportunity to publish their work on a website and further their knowledge of technology. It will also be important to reflect on instructional methods and teaching strategies to make sure they are working. I will be willing to change my technique if I am not fostering student success in my classroom. Every child learns differently, so it will be my job to determine what learning styles my students utilize. A vital component of teaching is the relationships we build with our students as well as the way in which we facilitate our classroom. The students in my classroom will know that I care for each and everyone of them and that they all have the opportunity to learn and succeed in my class. This will not only enable them to be more active learners, but will help motivate them and build their self-esteem because they know there is at least one person in education who believes in them and wants them to succeed and knows they can succeed. There is definitely a “dancer inside everyone” as well as a learner inside everyone. I am dedicated to finding the dancer and the learner in each and every one of my students.
 * Rigor **
 * Relevance **
 * Learner/Collaborator **
 * Leader **
 * Relationships/Facilitator **