All children and young adults have the right to an excellent education. It is my goal as an educator to make sure that this right is met. Students should be treated equally and should have the same access to educational materials. In the past, many have had to fight for their education. I want to assure that this fight is over and that all students can be educated as they so choose.
I also teach to learn. Learning is the basis for personal growth and teaching is one of the best ways to learn. For example, if I can clearly communicate the fundamental principles of a subject, I have attained a higher level of knowledge. One of the best ways a teacher can learn is from students. Each student has a unique view of the world to offer. Teaching works best when there is an equal exchange of knowledge between teacher and student.
It is my job as an instructor to create a positive learning environment and to facilitate students taking responsibility for their own education. As students accept a greater amount of responsibility and become more active in their own education, they will ultimately learn more.
As a teacher, I find it important to vary your teaching style. Lectures tend to be too passive. Students will learn more when allowed to be actively involved in the learning process; thus, hands on learning is something that will continually be present within my classroom.
Because I believe so deeply in acquiring knowledge, I feel that it is important to share my enthusiasm for learning with my students. Hopefully, in return they may begin to also value learning and realize that learning does not cease outside the classroom, but is a life long process.
As an English teacher, I feel that there are several distinct themes in literature that should be taught every year, such as, Shakespeare. This is definitely a more conservative, idealist approach to teaching; however, the way I go about teaching such themes is more student-centered, somewhere between pragmatism and progressivism. For example, I would first analyze my students to see how they would most benefit by studying Shakespeare. I would teach an advanced English class very differently than a basic English class.
The main themes I would teach over the years probably would change very little; however, the books, short stories, and works of poetry included within such units would vary greatly depending upon the needs of my students. For example, entering adulthood is a theme that I might teach. Many books have been written on this subject, consequently, there would be no need for me to use the same materials repeatedly. Ultimately, what I choose to teach within larger units depends entirely upon the needs of my students.
