Personal Educational Philosophy Scoring Rubric (ocho| CATEGORY 1 2 3 Length of Paper | __ Less than Three Three double-spaced Four double-spaced ve oF more double double-spaced pages, pages pages ‘spaced pages “The introduction is inviting, Introduetion | There isno clear “The inlroduclion States | The introduction clearly introduction to the the purpose, but does not | states the purpose of the | encourages the reader to ‘purpose of the paper or | adequately preview the | paper, previews the Team more about the its structure. siructure of the paper and | siructure of the paper, but | candidate's philosophy, and ngag joos not engage the em reader reader. ppoints and the purpose of See Coverage of | lnformation includes | Information includes few — | information includes come | Information includes very few, if any, of the knowledge, skis, and dispositions of effective teachers; articulates few bes! practices of effective teachers, ‘of the knowledge, skils, and dispositions of effective teachers; arlculates some best practices of effective teachers. of the knowledge, skils, and dispositions of effective teachers: clearly articulates several best practices of effective teachers thorough delineation of the knowledge, skills, and dispfsitions of effective ers; clearly articulates best practices of coffective teachers Integration of Exp s, Beliefs, and. Values Does not incide ‘examples of personal ‘experiences, values, or beliefs related to dispositions Offers few examples of ‘oxperiences, values, and bolief to ilustrate ‘commitment fo dispositions. Examples add tle to the discussion. Offers examples, values, and belefs to illustrate the ‘commitment to most dispositions ‘Offers quality details and ‘examples about personal fences, values, oF Bpyets to ilustrate support ofaispositions Readings ‘Connections Between the writer's expression ‘of philosophy and ccunculum theory, practice, constructivist theory and readings ‘completed in courses are unclear or unrelated. “There is litle connection between the writer's ‘expression of philosophy ‘and curriculum theory, practice, constructivist theory and readings completed in courses. Fow points are supported with references. ‘There Is some connection between the writers expression of philosophy tnd cutout eon, fate concise theory and roading comptod in courses. Most points are supported with references. There isa strong ‘conneeffon between the iler's expression of philosophy and curriculum theory, practice, constructivist theory and readings completed in ccowsses. All points are ‘supported with references. ‘Sequencing! ‘Transitions ‘Many points are notin logical order. The paper lacks ‘organization. The transitions between paragraphs andlor Ideas are unclear or nonexistent ‘Some points are noi in {ogical order; the way they are presented makes the ‘writing dificult o follow ‘and less interesting. Some transitions work vwell; bl connections among ideas ate fuzzy. Points are made in @ logical order: the wey they are presented sometimes makes the writing difficult {o follow or ess interesting forthe reader. Transitions show how ideas are connected, bul there is litle varioly, Points are made in a logical ‘order; the smooth flow coffectvely maintains the intoroptof the reader and i A variety of clear tions are used. They clearly show how ideas are ‘connected. Conclusions There Teno clear conclusion; the paper ‘ends with no summary statement. It simply ends, “The conclusion is recognizable; but does not tie up several loose ends. “The conclusion is recognizable; ties up almost all loose ends in a ‘surmmary statement The conclusion is sirong and leaves the reader with ferstanding of the #2 points; offers 2 ‘suilfmary statement, looks forward fo the fulure, uses a quote, cites a unique experience, etc Mechanical Errors ‘Wary grammatical, ‘speling, or punctuation errors; errors interrupt the flow, Several grammatical, ‘capitalization, spelting, or punctuation errors; the ‘errors interrupt the flow. ‘One oF Wo errors in _gearnmar, capitalizal ‘andor punctuation paper is easy to read, No grammatical, ‘capitalization, spelling, oF punctuation errors; the paper is exceptionally easy io road. Proper Use of Citations “Some sources are nol accurately ‘documented, ‘Al sources (information ‘and graphics) ore accutately documented, ‘but many are not in APA format ‘Al sources (information ‘and graphics) are accutatoly documented, but afew are notin APA foamal ‘All sources (information and yaghics) are accurately dimented in APA formal Passing is 27/36 with no score of a one. A wePersonal Education Philosophy Personal Education Philosophy Rachel Lord Wesleyan CollegePersonal Education Philosophy 2 Abstract My goal as a teacher is to challenge my students, awaken their curiosity, and spark their creative abilities. [will be a teacher who is passionate about my job and my students on a daily basis. Each and every student that walks in my classroom is worthy of love and capable of being taught, no pater bichackgong, My philosophy for teaching is based on the experimentalism — = = St poets Ye besh. earned, and being an adaptive philosophy, beliefs, scholarly influences, the lesst us perspectives, professional. Above all, my philosophies are a product of my upbringing, rel mission work, volunteer and work experience, scholarly influences, and collegiate career. In the future, my dream is to teach kindergarten because I think that is where the foundation is placed and the first stepping stone on the students’ road to success. Teaching is important to me because believe there are children in our world today that have no safe place to go. School may be the only time they have a chance to feel like a normal child and the only time they have a good meal iving in poverty, coming from bad home lives, to eat, I would like to be an advocate for stud or struggling with learning disabilities. Every student needs a teacher who truly cares about their well-being and their future, | am that teacher. Overall, my emerging belief system is to have a be a model for my students in and outside of the classtoom and show my school, parents, and students that I truly care about their education. I know all students can succeed because I will not i let any students fall behind, 3" 0? eee etee wry? SBPersonal Education Philosophy 3 love teaching when I can see my love for a mathematical problem, history lesson, or work of literature being taken in by a student for the first time, More often than not, it is not my first time teaching the lesson, but every now and then, a student’s eyes will light up with : : zl herent ‘understanding and they will fall in love with the lesson and have a passion for learning. That y moment is when teaching becomes the best job in the world. To allow a student the chance to understand on their own and in their own way is rewarding, but to awaken a student’s love for ae wi - = Tearing is a true success. I am drawn to the experimentalism philosophy because from what I have learned in my studies, this philosophy focuses on every day changes and finding new ways to leatn and teach through first hand experiences with the world. Experimentalism emphasizes on students? learning through problem solving and asking questions (Hallet, 1997). [love this philosophy because I think itis important to have students actively involved in their own thbseluely educational journeys. My philosophy for teaching is based on the experimentalism philosophy, qucanona) jou beliefs, scholarly influences, the lessons I have learned, and being an adaptive professional. ‘Thus, I believe in being a model for my students in and outside of the classroom. I will co show students what it means to have a good attitude at school every day. By making house calls, house vi . and spending extra hours with students before and after school I will model to the parents that [ care about my students. Inside my classroom, I will teach in a way that will cater to all different learning styles. I will accomplish this by incorporating vistals, examples, and technology into-my classroom. Everyday Iwill have stents up and moving jg often as I ean, | will do this by demonstrating for my students that being active is enjoyable and I will help promote a healthy lifestyle for my students physically, mentally, and emotionally. I value showing many examples and checking student's progress throughout the year. In order to ‘measure my students’ comprehension I will do experiments, crafts, and fun learning exercisesPersonal Education Philosophy 7 with my students in order to rely on diverse methods of assessment other than a test. I will ‘uphold all state and federal requirements, but I will make sure my students gain the knowledge that will be valuable to their daily lives and future (Gunning, 2013). Furthermore, [ believe in what the learning theories have to offer. There have been many learning theories that have been established and researched that allow for ways to foster cognitive development within students. The two theories that I love are the think-pair-share and the jigsaw theories (Gunning, 2010; R. Vacca, J. Vacca & Mraz, 2011). These two theories are my favorite because they both allow students to try something new and gives students the chance to branch out and increase ial de lopmeny qe Moreover, I believe in having a positive elassroom climate to allow students to be able to comprehend subject matter and develop a better student/teacher relationship. My lesson plans will show a clear learning objective that is paired with learner outcomes, activities, elasswork, ‘and assessments for my students. Classrooms should be inviting and show positive encouragement on the walls through art or quotes to illustrate to students that they are welcome when they walk in, An extension of my positive atmosphere will be holding each of my students s. Lwill do this because I know students can succced and meet the requirements. None of my students will be left behind because I believe all students can succeed, regardless of the conditions Iam teaching in or the homes the students come from. It is my job, as a teacher, to make sure each student does their best in the classroom. 1 will make sure I work to the best of my ability and spend my time wisely so that every stucent has equal opportunity to succeed in the classroom. Also, I value maintaining positive relationships not only with my students, but my colleagues, principle, and parents. In doing so, I will devote my time to helping in any way Lean,Personal Education Philosophy 5 My hope through doing all of this for my students is kindle my students’ desire to learn more and ignite their intrinsic motivation (Gunning, 2013). ive classroom chornee= climate, I will manage my classroom strictly when it comes to routines, behavior, and respect. My students will know that Imean what I say because | will model the behavior for them day in and day out. I believe in showing grace and merey to students, but I also believe in peal (consequences. Students have (o learn from their mistakes in order to learn how to make good choices, Classrooms have to have a balance between being strict and being lenient because a child’s nature, to me, is so innocent and pure, In my opinion, children do not grow up wanting to lic, cheat, and bully. Students learn this behavior from peers, television, or a poor home life. ‘These issues have to be taken into account when managing a classroom because if the students eared these types of behaviors, then it is possible for the same students to learn a new way to behave. Overall, this is the true purpose of a school. A school is in place to mold children into ‘well rounded individuals who are smart, caring, kind, successful, and competent, Teachers are in Bs place to make sure the purpose of a school is fulfilled. After all, students are the future of our world, Above all, my philosophies are a product of my upbringing, religious perspectives, mission work, volunteer and work experience, scholarly influences, and collegiate career. I grew up in a family with three other sisters and my mother had a lotto juggle at one time. She taught ime that all learning styles are different and important because that is how she raised my sisters Oe pis! and I growing up. She never treated.us the same and she praised our differences. I remember her telling me when I was younger that thinking differently from others is not a bad quality to have. I always loved how she catered (o our differences and did not teach us in the same manner. MyPersonal Education Philosophy 6 mother allowed us to develop into our own person with our own unique qualities and abilities. Furthermore, I was brought up in a Christian home where I developed my passion for caring for others. I learned a great deal in church about what it means to give back and help those around you. My upbringing, both at home and at church helped develop many of the beliefs I stand by today. As I got older, I developed a passion for volunteer and mission work. I volunteered at nursing homes, hospitals, and classrooms and I went on two mission trips to AMtica. I learned about what it means to be truly thankful for education, a classroom, materials, a lunchroom, and playground. Di ing this time, I developed my belief on classroom management and displaying to my students and their parents that I am devoted to them and their children. Correspondingly, during my fall time job as a nanny, I developed a greater understanding for children with mand learning disabilities. I had the opportunity to be a nanny to a litle girl with a form of a I worked with her one on one every day for over a year. That little girl showed me that being a out information, That little girl teacher is more than standing in front of a classroom and spi taught me that being a teacher, is a wonderful opp \d if' done correctly, it can be such a reading profession, wDicye dow Likewise, my scholarly influence is Ron Clark. Clark is known for many books on parenting, teaching, and expectations of students and he has transformed the way students are being taught within the classroom, Clark developed the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which is an inner city school. Before the books and the Ron Clark Academy, Ron had a passion to help students reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Clark decided to help make this dream happen by coming up with innovative teaching methods. Ron Clark did not stop with just one classroom, instead, he continued to develop this passion on a wider scale by writing books,Personal Education Philosophy - holding motivational talks, and developing a model academy. Clark has continued to influence the lives of many students, teachers, and parents. Clark has influenced me in many ways, but I look up to him because he is ttuly embodying what the no child left behind act intended for teachers to do, Students from many different backgrounds are receiving the chance to succeed, live out their dreams, and accomplish their goals because Ron Clark has promoted his passion on — he iS a daily basis (*Ron Clark Bio,’nd. ve! 1 rot hee Last, my collegiate career thus far has continued to develop my philosophy for teaching. My professors in all of my major education courses have truly cared about their students. [am shown how to become a professional educator who is an expert in the field of teaching and ive a real school like experience by decorating the college classroom as if we are in an elementary school. The classroom has a passionate about educating students, My professors. positive environment and a positive students-teacher relationship. The professor is continuously modeling for us how to teach with visuals, experiments, and examples. I am learning how to maintain my own classroom and conduct a lesson that allows for my future students to thrive. My dream is to teach kindergarten because I think that is where the foundation is placed and the first stepping stone on the students’ road to success. Teaching is important to me because L believe there are children in our world today that have no safe place to go. School may be the only time they have a chance to fee! like a normal child and the only time they have a good meal to eat, I would like to be an advocate for stuctents living in poverty, coming fiom bad home lives, or struggling Laerpalieyt dents well-being and their fiture. [am that teacher. ‘This truly is what the purpose of a school is all earning disabilities. Every student needs a teacher who truly cares about their about, providing students with a solid foundation, a positive environment, and encouragement. ‘Also, the purpose of a school is to nurture students so that they wake up and look forward toPersonal Education Phitosophy 8 coming to school and learning. Children are innocent and impressionable and I think it is within a child’s nature to be curious, determined, and intrigued by all things school related. It is the teachers’ job to ignite that passion for school. In the following paragraphs, I will describe in detail what my beliefs will look like when applied in a kindergarten classroom, Moreover, as a kindergarten teacher, I aspire to teach my students concepts and skills that can be used in the classroom, but also in their daily lives. I will encourage my students to set short term and long term goals for themselves. My students will value the importance of gaining. knowledge, studying, and making good grades. By promoting critical thinking in my classroom, students will develop concepts, display competence, and become well rounded individuals. Within the classroom, students ean learn to embrace diverse cultures and learn about reaching, around us and our world. By modeling respect for others, my students ‘out to the commun will respect and honor their teacher, prineiple, and all adults, My students will know that they are expected to clo well because they are smart and they are worthy of love (Gunning, 2013). Furthermore, I will model a positive attitude for my students by greeting my students at the door in the morning and welcoming them into the classroom, I intend to have a routine for day off my kindergarteners that involves a sing along me type of dance to really start thei ‘on the right foot. I will express myself in a colorful and exciting manner and my students will be us encouraged to do the same, I want to model for my students that teaching is, ae ‘me and asa result learning will be fun for them, I value modeling involvement for the parents of my students by visiting their houses to get to know their families on a more personal level. Overall, I believe these practices will allow me to have a positive classroom atmosphere with superb classroom ‘management.Personal Education Philosophy 9 ies. Visually, For example, my class will learn visually, audibly, and with hands on acti students learn by online videos, examples on the board, or by watching me model. Audibly, students learn by listening and being attentive to the lessons or by listening fo an audio online. Last, students learn kinesthetically by hands on activities like experiments, going on mini field trips, and making crafts within the classroom. In doing this, I wish to promote group collaborations by having students participate in think-pait-share leaning. ‘This type of leaming is. where the students will think individually about an answer (o a question then, they will talk to a partner and share ideas (Gunning, 2010, p. 385-386). Students will also participate in jigsaw learning, this is used when teaching a topic with many subparts. Next, students are grouped and assigned to a subpart to study and become experts on. Once the students have time to collaborate with their groups they come back as a whole class and each group teaches the class on their topic (R. Vacca, J. Vacea, & M. Mraz, 2011, p. 152-153).These two learning strategies allow students the opportunity to develop their cognitive skills and their social development with other students. As a future educator, I will cater to every learning style and become well-informed on which of my students learn best with each type of learning style. I hope to ignite my students" desire to learn by catering to their unique leatning styles (Gunning, 2013) In this day and age, technology is important and it is becoming vital in areas of communication, business, and school work. Kindergarteners need to be introduced to technology and learn how a computer works. Even in Kindergarten, students can find information they need is available online, I will teach my students how a computer should be turned on and off and how ic learning games online. Technology will be a great aide to show my to play simpli Kindergarteners another way to learn information and make learning exciting and engaging.Personal Education Philosophy 10 wy In addition, my kindergarteners will never be still for long. I do not expect my students to come into the classroom and sit at desks for long periods of time. To allow for. my students to be active while learning at the same time, many different learning centers will be set up around my classroom. Some of the learning centers I would like to have are: a reading center, a grocery store center, and a restaurant center, These centers are a good way for kindergarteners to grow socially and learn through real life experiences. Furthermore, I want my students to learn through dancing and exercising songs (Gunning, 2013). On YouTube there is a song called “Let's Get Fit Count to 100” by Jack Hartmann (2014). In this song students get out of their desks and count to 100 while doing exercises. Lam very passionate about students learning what it means to be healthy and active, Overall, I value showing my students that this kind of lifestyle is enjoyable, fun, and rewarding, Likewise, my kindergarteners will not be subjected to test afler test. I will model for my students there are different ways to assess students t lligence. Through hands on nication, reading, and singing I believe my students will be able to assessments, oral cor a i demonstrate to me that they understand and comprehend various content areas. 1 will assess my stuclents based on multiple assessments, such as: class participation, homework, class assignments, group work, progress, quizzes, tests, oral evaluations, and projects. I do not believe in assessing students in one way because students do not have only one learning style. Through teaching this way, I hope to allow my kindergarteners the opportunity to gain knowledge that will be valuable in their daily lives and future (Gunning, 2013). Additionally, I want my students” parents to know I value their opinions and their children’s development in school. I will seflect on my own teaching, but I also will give my students? parents the same courtesy to help me reflect and better myself as an educator. I will doPersonal Education Philosophy u this by frequently asking for student and parent feedback. Even at the young age of five and six our students have treasured feelings and ideas. I plan (o take that into account by having a time weekly or monthly that I check in with students one on one. I will ask students if they have any ideas about what we could do in class or ifI should change anything, In doing this, I will be giving my students responsibility. Students appreciate the ability to have a part in what goes on in the classroom. The parents will have an online communication outlet with me where they can collaborate with me and other parents or send a private message. I will make sure the parents of iy students know they are always welcome in my classroom, Also, I will look back on my own. : £98 Pochee’ lessons and assess myself on what [ean improvelon and what needs to stay the same. This way, I ‘am not only refleeting on my own teaching, but I am gaining valuable feedback that will help me to better my teaching in the future. Moreover, my kindergarteners will know what they are going to be learning every week because an essential question, leamer outcome, and assessment will be written on the board. By taking time to sit down and develop goad lesson plans, the lessons will be organized, researched thoroughly, and all materials will be laid out properly for each lesson, I plan to make my kindergarteners feel invited and welcomed into my classroom by creating a positive climate for iy students to lear in, A positive elassroo# climate, to me, means having a vibrant color see scheme with a decorated door for my students to enter into every day. To create this environment, the alphabet will be listed on the wall, vocabulary words, and places labeled so my students will know where to go and what to look for. I plan to have art on the wall, important historical figures, and different kinds of instruments. Within this positive environment, I will to get to know each and every one of my students, hug my students, shake their hands, give high v fives, and joke around, but I will have balance within my classroom, There is a time to play and sts Uae wasPersonal Education Philosophy 2 there is a time to be focused. In doing this, my students can develop talents and interests in ferent areas of life (Gunning, 2013). Even more, I will uphold a positive relationships with my students, colleagues, principle, and parents, If there is a problem, the issue can be addressed right away in a professional manner. I will make sure to show my colleagues that I am a team player and that I want to be involved with the school. My time will be dedicated to serving in any way I ean. I plan to conduct positive classroom management by setting a high standard for each student according to id, their own needs because I know students can steceed and flourish. Ifa student is falling behis I will take my time to make sure the students catches up to the rest of the class because no student in my classroom will be left behind. There will be time set aside before or after school to fany of my students are struggling. I will make an go over the material and tutor the students effort to collaborate with the schoo! counselor, after school program, and other programs the school has to offer in order to make sure all of my students needs are taken care of. Through keeping a positive relationship with my school and my students T believe 1 will awaken my students’ motivation and desire to learn and do their work. ive classroom climate and to allow Overall, my emerging belief system is to have a pos students to be able to comprehend subject matter I will be a mode! for my students in and outside of the classroom and show my school, parents, and students that I truly care about their ‘education, I know all students ean succeed because I will not let any students fall behind. My goal as a teacher is to challenge my students, awaken their curiosity, and spark their creative abilities, I will be a teacher who is passionate about my job and my students on a daily basis Each and every student that walks in my classroom is worthy of love and capable of beingPersonal Education Philosophy 2B taught, no matter their background, In doing all of this, my love for teaching and my passion for reaching out to students will continuously grow.Personal Education Philosophy 4 References Gunning, T. (2010). Assessing and Correcting Reading and Writing Difficulties (4th ed., pp. 385-386). Boston: Pearson Education Vacea, R., Vacca, J., & Mraz, M. (2011). Content Area Reading: Literacy and Learning Across the Curriculum (10th ed., pp. 152-153), Boston: Pearson Education. Gunning, T. (2013). Creating literacy instruction for all students (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Let's Get Fit | Count to 100 | Count to 100 Song | Counting to 100 | Jack Hartmann. (2014, May 7), Retrieved November 6, 2015. Hallet, C. (1997). Pragmatism and project 2000: the relevance of Dewey's theory of experimentalism to nursing education, Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 26(6), 1229-1234 6p. dois], 1365-2648, 1997.th00817.x10.1046F.1365-2648, 1997.00423.x Ron Clark | Bio. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2015, from hutp:/premierespeakers.com/ron_clark/bio