Teaching Philosophy:

 This should be your thesis statement where you discuss your general belief about education
(such as: "I believe all students have a right to learn") as well as your ideals in relation to
teaching. You should "begin with the end," says James M. Lang in an Aug. 29, 2010, article
titled, "4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy" published in "The Chronicle of Higher
Education." Lang says you should consider what the students will have learned once they depart
your class, after having been guided by your teaching philosophy and strategies.

Lang says that you should clearly state your goals and objectives for students. Layout
specifically what you hope your teaching will help students to accomplish. Be specific by telling
a story or offering "a detailed description of an innovative or interesting teaching strategy you
have used," says Lang. Doing so, helps your reader understand how your teaching philosophy
would play out in the classroom.

My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating
educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It
is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will
provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks.

"I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's
role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should
be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the
opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into
the school day."

"I believe that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own
education. I will assist my students to express themselves and accept themselves for who they
are, as well embrace the differences of others.

"Every classroom has its own unique community; my role as the teacher will be to assist each
child in developing their own potential and learning styles. I will present a curriculum that will
incorporate each different learning style, as well as make the content relevant to the students'
lives. I will incorporate hands-on learning, cooperative learning, projects, themes, and individual
work that engage and activate students learning." 

Lang notes that, while you don't need to use official citation style, you should cite your sources.
Explain where your teaching philosophy originated—for example, from your experiences as an
undergraduate, from a faculty mentor you worked with during your teacher-training program, or
perhaps from books or articles on teaching that had a particular influence on you.

"I believe that a teacher is morally obligated to enter the classroom with only the highest of
expectations for each and every one of her students. Thus, the teacher maximizes the positive
benefits that naturally come along with any self-fulfilling prophecy. With dedication,
perseverance, and hard work, her students will rise to the occasion."
"I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each
day. I believe that I owe it to my students, as well as the community, to bring consistency,
diligence, and warmth to my job in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such
traits in the children as well."

"I believe that a classroom should be a safe, caring community where children are free to speak
their mind and blossom and grow. I will use strategies to ensure our classroom community will
flourish, like the morning meeting, positive vs. negative discipline, classroom jobs, and problem-
solving skills.

"Teaching is a process of learning from your students, colleagues, parents, and the community.
This is a lifelong process where you learn new strategies, new ideas, and new philosophies. Over
time, my educational philosophy may change, and that's okay. That just means that I have grown
and learned new things."