Teaching Philosophy Sherri Genna 1

#1 Teaching Perception:
I know every child is capable of growing academically (reading, writing and math skills) while meeting
personal goals. Through set classroom expectations, students will understand that everyone will anticipate
the following four goals: 1)cooperate academically - by doing their best work and not giving up; 2)
vocational have rotating classroom jobs which prepares for work environments while also instilling
autonomy; 3) social and civic what can students do to help the classroom environment and their
community and finally 4) set personal goals and allow students to express themselves through various
forms art, writing, imaginative play, etc.
As a special education teacher, I would set up a structured classroom for students with various types of
learning styles. I would hope to incorporate visual aids, books, different types of chairs, balls, a swing,
fidget gadgets for students who constantly move, noise cancelling headphones to eliminate distractions,
plenty of manipulatives for math problems and have a safe place for students to cool down and regroup.
Students in the special education classroom will all have different needs and may be challenging. I
would hope to reach each one of my students by fostering a nurturing, trusting and safe environment. I
would obtain this by setting up a cooperative learning environment which engages team teaching which
includes myself, paraprofessionals, general education teachers and parents. I would also offer student
centers which have quiet spaces to work, choices of manipulatives and sensory activities (calm down jars,
silly putty, I spy bottles, water or bean tables, heavy vests, etc.). I would also execute a how to be a
friend campaign within the school. Often times, students who are unique and different are excluded. I
would like to see everyone included in recess games, buddy systems and every day peer social
interactions. If I have the trust of my students while staying positive and goal oriented, we will be able to
remain motivated and support their individual learning goals.
#2 Learning Philosophy
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin
I believe elementary students are active participants in teaching through games or storytelling. For
example, if a students are learning to tell time I can make a giant analog clock on the carpet space made
from masking tape or felt. Students can us a measuring tape, a large ruler or a straight piece of wood to
point to the correct time I call out. If a student is having a hard time knowing where the correct time is, I
will use plenty of encouraging words or ask a classroom buddy for help.
#3 Teaching Goals
Less Punitive, more problem solving is the objective. In order for students in the special education
classroom to be successful in the general education classroom, finding sources to negative behaviors is
key. I may never know all the reasons for students behaviors on a daily basis but I can try to understand
the reasons why they may be frustrated. The goal is to find a reason for their behavior and turn a bad
situation into a positive solution as to not escalate the situation further. Behaviors range and students may
be displaying behaviors simply because their clothes dont fit, they are hungry, tired or maybe they need a
break. Student behaviors are a puzzle and I am up for the challenge.
Some students are nonverbal so it is essential to keep open communication with immediate
family/guardians and to be able to read my students nonverbal cues. As an educator, I need to understand
the backgrounds of my students. Encouraging parents to be involved is another goal. There are several
ways I could involve parents; create an open classroom, send emails and create classroom newsletters,
have parents come to lunch with their child and volunteers are always welcome.
Teaching Philosophy Sherri Genna 2

Every child is unique and different

What works for one student may not work for all students. I will have an opportunity to make
accommodations to curriculum and modify behavior charts and classroom expectations when needed. I
will encourage every child to be successful and to work hard on their goals.
Understanding that every behavior has a function is a start. I have found that if you would like to stop a
negative behavior, then it must be replaced with a different behavior. Under my leadership, students will
learn that positive reinforcement will get them to their purpose or target faster than resistance to
participate.
#4 Growth as a Teacher
I will dedicate my professional career to understanding different types of minds. I will have an
opportunity to work with students with several types of disabilities. While I am not familiar with every
disability and the challenges or needs that accompany, I am willing to necessitate any accommodations
that are needed within reason.
I am familiar with behaviors of Autism and know that those students learn through daily experiences,
especially social interactions. I am also aware that students with ADD/ADHD often need time or help
with organization and self-regulation. I will not use recess as a punishment but as a release of energy
instead. Learning how to de-escalate a student so they can have more success when they are placed in the
general education classrooms is crucial. Calming down a child may be a challenge but I can use several
techniques; count down, breathe deeply, meditate, take a break, find a quiet safe place, talk it out, journal,
outside break, etc. Once the child has calmed down, immediately explain the situation, give reasonable
consequences and most importantly, follow through.
Teaching Philosophy Sherri Genna 3