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Personal Teaching Philosophy

Hannah Hopper

Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 495 Field Experience ePortfolio, Spring 2017

Introduction

Education is an admirable and daring profession to enter into. It is one that has the power

to influence the younger generation to become responsible, caring, and knowledgeable citizens in

society. More importantly, a teacher has the power to empower others, breathe renewed hope into

ones life, and be a guiding force as he or she discover who they are and their purpose in life. My

personal passion for education stems from my love for children and the opportunity to nurture

and educate children from all different backgrounds. The driving force for stepping into

education are the faces behind the curriculum. Great curriculums, lesson plans, and resources

come to life in the classroom when the children are at the center of it all. Education, to me,

means stewarding each childs life to the best of my ability in order to reach each of their

individual needs in the classroom.

Philosophy on the Learner

My belief is each child has the competence to learn and attain new knowledge. Each child

may learn in different ways, rates, and require some type of accommodation; nevertheless, they

each are capable of retaining and applying new knowledge. I do not believe any child should be

written off because they are have a learning disability that requires more teacher assistance or is

too gifted to be challenged in the classroom. The belief I hold is each child can reach their

personal potential when they are directed, motivated, and valued by their teacher. Because each

child is created uniquely, they need to be approached in different ways. A teacher needs to be

aware and mindful of each learner when creating a lesson, in order for every child to have a fair

opportunity to learn.
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Philosophy on the Instructor

My method of teaching is student-centered and is focused on educators fulfilling the role

as a facilitator. I believe that teachers should be the primary source to deliver and introduce new

instruction; nonetheless, the students in the classroom are responsible for carrying out the content

and extending it deeper. One of the strategies I believe is vital for facilitating a student-centered

classroom is creating an atmosphere that welcomes and values collaboration and discussion. In

my classroom, I do not want to lecture the students and dump new information without their

participation and ownership. I want to create an environment that encourages student led

ownership of their learning and a desire to participate. In order to do this, I will create lessons

that appeal to all learning styles and are differentiated to the varying levels in the classroom. As

an educator, I want to wear several hats that have the ability to reach every student.

Philosophy on Classroom Management

My philosophy for classroom management is based on the foundation of forming and

building relationships from the very beginning. These relationships will extend not only to my

students but also to the families of my students. As a teacher, my deepest desire is to connect

with each student who walks through my door but also connect with the different backgrounds

they are entering with. I believe if students feel cared for and seen, they will strive to work

diligently and behave well because they have a genuine respect for the teacher.

Another component to my classroom management philosophy is to create a safe and

inviting environment for students to learn in. I desire for my students to feel secure and stable

when they are in my classroom. One of the highest needs for a person is safety; therefore, this is

one of the main aspects to my classroom management philosophy. By creating a warm

atmosphere, students will enter the classroom with an eagerness and readiness to learn.
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I also plan to directly communicate and model my class rules and procedures at the start

of the school year. These rules and procedures will be posted visually in the classroom in order

for students to know what is expected of them at all times. Because I will be teaching elementary

aged students, I plan on creating the rules and procedures myself, rather than having the whole

class collaborate and help form them. I do, however, want to create ownership among the

students and a community feel in my classroom, so I will have the students assist me in creating

a class motto to recite each morning. This will allow the students to be apart of creating the tone

for the class and what the class will represent. I will also have the students help create the

attention grabber statements that I will use to gain focus and direction when working in the class.

Even though the students are younger in age, I want to teach students they have a voice and their

voice matters in the classroom.

Lastly, my classroom management philosophy will involve engaging and creative lesson

plans. This will require excellent planning and preparing on my end and demand a high level of

commitment to not only my students but also the standards I am teaching. I want my classroom

to be an arena for discussion and application. I want to teach for mastery and create deep

understandings that students can transfer outside of the classroom. I will create lessons that are

appealing and relate to all different learning styles to achieve effectiveness.

Evolution of Beliefs

As I have gained experience in the classroom and put into practice my own teaching

philosophy, my beliefs have altered in some ways. One of the beliefs that has changed slightly is

the teachers role as a facilitator. While teaching kindergarten, it is key to know what is age

appropriate and what each grade is capable of. Younger children need more assistance and the

teacher needs to be more hands on. I believe that the learning should remain student-centered but
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the teacher has to take on a stronger leadership role and less of a facilitator role. Another belief

that has been altered while I have been teaching is that lessons do not always happen the way I

envision or plan them to go. Instead of becoming disappointed, the best thing to do in these cases

is to reflect and learn from my mistakes. A huge part of teaching is being flexible and reading the

students. A lesson could be developed and planned thoroughly; however, if the students are not

responding well or appropriately to the lesson, a change must be made. An effective teacher

needs to learn how to accept change and think quickly in situations. This is one aspect that has

altered my philosophy and has now changed my perspective when I deliver lessons.

Philosophy on Faith and Education

My faith drastically influences my philosophy and how I look at the children I teach. I

desire to be as authentic in the classroom as I am outside of the classroom. With this said, I

desire to treat my students as I would any other relationship by demonstrating patience, grace,

and kindness. I pray I never put on my teaching hat and take off my Christian hat. They both

should be worn simultaneously without any compromise. I desire for my biblical standard to be

the compass in my classroom, which leads my responses, attitudes, and decision-making.

My goals as a Christian educator involve exuding my passion for teaching, instilling hope

into the next generation, and being intentional and purposeful with each child entrusted into my

care. I believe if I can accomplish these three goals, my goal for educating and equipping

students with excellence will proceed. I know there will be difficulties and hardships; yet, I pray

my perspective is like James in the Bible. James 1:2-4 states, Count it all joy, my brothers,

when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces

steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking in nothing (English Standard Version). I want to be a consistent and solid figure in
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childrens lives that model steadfastness and is not easily moved by circumstances. Children

need stability in their life not only in structure and routines but also through people.

Lastly, my philosophy includes the verse in Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way

he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (English Standard Version). When I

read this verse, I am reminded about how impressionable children are. Because I will be an

elementary teacher, I will be working with young children who need to be taught good character

traits and trained how to act appropriately. In that moment, disciplining a child can be difficult;

yet, it benefits them in the long run. My behavior management plan is formed from positive

affirmation and praise in public and critical correction in private. I pray I never underestimate the

influence and privilege it is to steward and educate a generation. I also hope to communicate my

appreciation and how much of a privilege it is to teach so the children understand their worth and

value.