My Philosophy

My teaching philosophy develops from my three most cherished values: integrity, dedication and compassion. Integrity means being honest to others and myself. According to Palmer (1997) “good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the student” (p. 16). One of my core values is integrity. My favourite quote comes from the movie V for Vendetta (2005) which states, “integrity sells for so little and yet it is all [I] really have” (McTeigue, 2005, 2:08). Integrity means always being honest in my dealings with my fellowman and myself. As well, integrity shows others that I will be loyal to them, and my other values. Through my life experiences I have found that having integrity allows me to feel confident in my decisions. I know that I am honest and loyal to what I believe in. Teachers must have integrity to allow for the development of trust and rapport. Max van Manen (1991) discusses the need for teachers to have tact when they are dealing with their students. Tact ties very closely to integrity. When I use tact and am honest with my students they will know they can trust me. Through integrity and tact I will develop positive teacher-student relationships in which I can assist in the betterment of my students.

(McTeigue & Nizzinny, 2005)

The best teachers show compassion towards their students. Compassion allows teachers to get to know their students on a personal level, become a confidant, and learn who their students are as learners. Through my experiences, I find compassionate teachers help me be successful in my academics and they inspire me. When teachers, and others in general, show compassion towards me I feel as though I am actually important to them, not just another person that they must deal with. I feel that my questions and concerns have merit when they address me with kindness. It is extremely important for teachers to show compassion towards their students. One of my inspirations for becoming a teacher is Erin Gruwell. She is the teacher that is portrayed in the film Freedom Writers (2007) and she showed an immense amount of concern and dedication to her students. I strive to be a person like her and I am hoping that I will come remotely close to her when I become a teacher.

(LaGravenese & MovieClips, 2007)

Students learn much more from compassionate teachers (Pierson, 2013). As a result teachers must feel kindness and consideration towards their students. I know that students respond and learn from teachers that truly care for them. Rita Pierson makes a very relevant comment when she states, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like” (Pierson, 2013, 1:47). To have my students like me, I must show them that I care for them and that they are extremely important. I will show my students that they are important by getting to know them on a personal level, uncovering their individual needs and assisting them in their needs, whether academically or personally. 

(Pierson, 2013)

             

            Teachers must show dedication to their students. William Ayers (1993) states, “good teachers spend time and energy” (p. 15). I truly put my heart and soul into every aspect of my life, whether that is school, work or family. In order to be a successful teacher I must dedicate myself to my students. When students see that their teacher is working hard for them they are more likely to work hard themselves. Through dedication my students will see that I care for them and the importance of hard work.

My philosophy is greatly influenced by the educational theory of ‘humanism’. Humanists believe that every human has the potential for good (Welton, 2006). I believe that all people are born with good intentions. As a result of my belief in an inherently good nature, I will treat my students with trust, respect and compassion. Having my students understand that I trust them and believe them to be good human beings will allow us to have a stronger relationship. Humanism states that having a teacher-student relationship is central (Welton, 2006) and I most certainly agree.
           As a teacher I will use student-centered approaches. As a teacher I feel as though it is my job to be a compass to the ship (the students). It is my role to assist students to reach their full potential (Welton, 2006) rather than actually driving the students in the right direction. I most certainly will guide them in the right direction for their learning, and may at times intervene, but will for the most part assist my students in the ways that they personally need. This metaphor is further discussed in the blog post Icebergs and Storms.
           Overall my teaching philosophy is: as a teacher I am dedicated to having integrity, dedication and compassion towards my students to assist them in developing themselves as successful learners and individuals, regardless of the time and energy it costs me.

References 

Ayers, W. (1993). To teach: The journey of a teacher. (2nd ed., pp. 1-24). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

LaGravenese, R. (Director), & MovieClips, (2007). Freedom writers (8/9) movie clip - you are not failing (2007) hd [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JauH_EKpaY

McTeigue, J. (Director), & Nizzinny, (2005). V for vendetta: Integrity [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEE4Asil9-A

Palmer, P. J. (1997). The heart of a teacher: Identity and integrity in teaching. Change, 29(6), 14-21.

Pierson, R. (Performer) (2013). Every kid needs a champion [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion.html
van Manen, M. (1991). The tact of teaching: The meaning of pedagogical thoughtfulness. (pp. 149-186). London, ON: Althouse Press.
Welton, M. R. (2006). Intimations of a just learning society: From the united farmers of alberta to henson. In T. Fenwick, T. Nesbit & B. Spencer (Eds.), Contexts of adult learning: Canadian perspectivesCanada: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc.