My teaching philosophy stems from my belief that anyone and everyone deserves the chance to be heard, be valued, and learn to the best of their ability. Each student brings a unique set of tools and skills with them to the classroom, and as a teacher it is my responsibility to support students as they build on their talents, develop their own understandings of the world around them, and set out to make an impact in society.

              Students are the most important part of a classroom and should be encouraged to take an active role in their own learning. I firmly stand for liberatory education, that a classroom should be a dynamic space where both teachers and students are constantly learning from each other, and that no student should be made to feel that they are only responsible for passively receiving information.

              I believe that students learn best when they can directly interact with material and when their studies connect with their lived experiences. A classroom based in constructivism provides students the opportunity to build from their knowledge base, form connections with learning experiences that happen in or out of school, and develop a sense of agency rooted in their own identity and values. I believe that all humans are born with an innate desire to learn, and that school should be an institution to nurture this curiosity into powerful critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

              In my classroom, formative assessment will be used to keep the class material in students’ zone of proximal development. Too often students find themselves either unchallenged or challenged far beyond their readiness. I believe that in any situation an intermediary can be found in which a student may grow and learn with informed guidance from an instructor or peer, and this zone will be a goal for my students and myself to actively achieve.

              I think the best way to assess student learning and understanding is to encourage participation and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate what they have learned. Students should also be encouraged to self-reflect on their own learning and feel confident asking for help when needed. Testing is only one method to assess student learning and should be used as a tool to guide further instruction, but not as an ultimate determination of student success or as a system of classification.

              As a teacher, I will strive to create an environment where every student feels valued, comfortable, and capable of learning. All members of my classroom, myself included, will learn from one another and build on the diversity of talents and skills that each person has to collectively become powerful, passionate, and impactful members of society.