Philosophy of Education
At This Time
At this time in the United States, K-12 educators are instructing more students, at a higher level, than ever before in the history of our country. Education is an essential component to the success of our great nation. As an educator, I believe that I must provide multiple opportunities for the students under my care to learn, grow, and become successful in a safe and challenging environment.
Student Learning
- I believe that all students should be able to communicate effectively in a variety of circumstances.
- I believe that all students should be able to problem solve and think critically. They should be able to use appropriate problem solving strategies, collect and analyze data and evaluate relevant research from a variety of sources.
- I believe that all students should acquire and apply knowledge and skills to proficiently meet state and local standards.
- I believe that all students should take responsibility for their growth as a learner. Students should explore career goals, reflect on their work, and establish behaviors that lead to physical, social and emotional wellness.
Instruction
- I believe teachers should be advocates for children. They should be fair and consistent.
- I believe teachers should be lifelong, reflective learners. I expect them to share their love of learning with their students.
- I believe that instruction and assessment are the most important components to improving student achievement.
Collaboration
- I believe that more collaborative schools tend to have higher student achievement.
- I believe that the school should serve the community. Students should demonstrate a sense of community through volunteerism and service to others.
- I believe that I must work with and incorporate the community into the school. This includes local businesses, service organizations, and most importantly, parents.
Environment
- I believe that I must provide and support an atmosphere that is caring, safe, and inviting.
- I believe that students need to be provided with a school free of violence, openness to diversity, and opportunities to explore new concepts.
- I believe that I must provide an atmosphere that promotes honest communication between staff, students, parents, and the community.
Leadership
- I believe that today’s schools are a cumulative result of centuries of extremely limited thinking about the nature of learners and learning.
- I believe that I must challenge current educational practices such as our use of time, our educational delivery system, our current culture, high stakes testing, and the influx of technology and information into our society.
- I believe that to address these challenges in our schools, we must have leaders who have the ability to communicate a vision, develop relationships, communicate with the community, and facilitate difficult conversations about teaching, learning, and assessment.