PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

My philosophy centers on what is best for student learning. This is a guiding principle for everything that happens in my classroom.

I firmly believe that students learn best when allowed to construct their own meaning, therefore I offer my students inquiry-based real-world learning experiences when possible. My role as a teacher is to facilitate, prepare the classroom environment and resources, and to ask the students good guiding questions to shape their inquiries and foster reasoning and critical thinking.

I believe assessment is central to the teaching and learning process, especially formative assessments, which guide the basis of my planning and allows me to differentiate. I give my students constructive formative feedback so they know what they need to do to be successful.

I value developing an excellent report with students, staff members, and parents creating a friendly and supportive classroom and school community. My classroom is a place where students feel welcome, safe, and respected. They know they are listened to, have a voice, and how much I like teaching them.

Knowing my students well is very important for me, so I am able to meet their individual needs. On visiting my classroom, you would most likely find a busy place, with students working in different areas on different things, but you would also find order and focus. I establish firm boundaries with my students and I let them know I have high expectations of them. These rich hands-on experiences coupled with parameters equal endless possibilities.

I encourage students to take responsibility for their learning through goal setting, reflecting, and self and peer assessments are all part of my classroom practice. I, too, am committed to continually developing myself as an educator, as well as a leader. I look forward to working at a school where dedicated and enthusiastic professionals collaborate to ensure the best teaching and learning for all students, and where school leaders are strong role models who can both challenge and support me as I continue on my journey as an educator and a learner.