As an individual and as a future teacher, I believe that there are several things which set me apart from others. These things surround the way in which I will organize my classroom, academically and physically as well as how I choose to educate my students. My classroom organization is fairly open. I believe that a warm and colorful environment can help promote learning, a place in which my students feel safe, encouraged, and nurtured. The physical set up will include a flexible desk/seating arrangement, lots of books and resources, bulletin boards and crafts, and technology for ample use and creativity. The motivation in my classroom will not be based upon external objects, or rewards. I want my students to be able to discover the joy of accomplishment and success that comes from personal learning and want to achieve. Students must be internally motivated and they must want to learn to grow for themselves not because a reward is waiting for them at the end goal. When it comes to discipline I believe that without rules and guidelines in the classroom students can easily become disrespectful and disobedient with not only learning but general acceptable behavior. I believe the teacher should have control of the classroom but students must be able to have a voice, to have a say in not just their personal education but the classroom environment. Proper consequences are and should be expected when the proper behavior and attitudes are not displayed.
Assessment in my classroom will include an equal balance between formative and summative pieces. Formative assessment, as a collection of information on what students already know, will include various tools and ways so students can best express to me their previous education and experience, allowing for extended communication. Summative assessment, as information that will be used for final assessment such as a grade, moving to another grade level, exams, graduation, etc., is also important to help me assess where students may be on our educational journey together as teacher and student. I will use rubrics, journals, check lists, blogs, wikis, interviews, portfolios, games, posters, and even book reports, scavenger hunts, discussions, and multi-genre papers. Assessment is important to me, but so are the “ah ha” moments that cannot be measured on any scale but the scale of joy for my students finally excited and proud of their achievement.
My classroom climate is also important because I believe in being a figure that can not only achieve respect from students but give it as well. Caring for and helping my students is an overarching necessity for me as a teacher. I believe in a classroom that becomes a community in which all have equal rights, respect, spaces and voices that are earned not simply given. Students must know that in my classroom you must be respectful to all others, the classroom space, peers, animals, and adults. The learning focus in my classroom is centered on divergent thinking, or in other words, thinking that is developed and focused on multiple points of view. I do believe, however, that there are times when convergent thinking, focused on the answers or subject matter, is important and even necessary. Students must be allowed to discover their potential and then be allowed to follow that potential wherever it may lead. I believe a curriculum focused only on the subject matter and right answers leaves little to no room for multiple interpretations as well as creativity. I want my students to be able to express themselves in all areas of school and in every chance within my classroom. I believe that technology is an important tool in the classroom when used in the right manner and in the right balance. I believe that technology as a tool for resources, education, play, and creativity are important not only in a growing technological age but because my students want to use this tool. I will use blogs, wikis, Comic Life, Garageband, online educational games and sites, as well as music and slideshows. I know students have the ability to use these applications and I want to give them the outlet to do so. I will however balance the technological use with hands-on learning, fun, and opportunity that focuses on the more simple projects such as the classic poster board for more creativity. Technology can be used in almost any direction for the classroom but it is finding the right balance between use and abuse that is crucial.
Turning to my teaching and leadership style, I find myself remembering my vision for being a teacher when I was thirteen years old. I found myself envisioning the perfect classroom with the perfect students and as I grow older I realize my vision has changed. I hope I have a challenging classroom with difficult students who are searching for the person to come and show them not only what it means to be a teacher and leaner but what it means to care. I know that I want to be a guide, a model, and a coach. I want to be a person who students want to look up to and follow not only my words but my actions as well. I know that I will have an influence on my students and I hope that my encouragement and support will empower my students to learn and grow in ways they never thought possible. I know I hold the future of the world in my eyes, when I look at my students. But I hope that by the time each of my students leave my classroom they will realize the power they hold in themselves and make a difference for future generations to come.
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