The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -- Lao Tzu
My PHILOSOPHY of education
The aforementioned quote by Lao Tzu is very reminiscent of how I view the eduction of young children. I believe that every single child in this world, no matter their disability, socio-economic class, gender, or any other circumstance has an inherent ability to learn. I believe that children are malleable and should be taught not only content-based information, but should also be taught about the world in which they live as well as cultures with which they are not familiar.
I believe in Inclusion: the act of including children who have special needs into the general classroom is beneficial to everyone involved. There are so many things that children who perform and develop normally can learn from children in the class who have special needs. These types of experiences will teach children to be accepting of people in their lives that may be different from them. The same experiences are the ones they learn that will transfer to the real world and follow them throughout their lives. The children who have special needs and are in general education classrooms will gain an experience that will carry them into the real world as well; they will gain an experience of acceptance and diversity among their peers. I do not think it is fair for children who have special needs to be isolated in a different classroom from others because I find it very counterproductive. These children will grow into adults that will mingle and be a part of the greater population, and inclusion in a classroom setting is preparing them for that.
I believe too that school should be a safe and inviting place for students. I want to be a teacher who supports diversity, question-asking, uncertainty and challenges because, after all, those are all aspects that create new learning. I want to provide a classroom where children feel comfortable being who they are; a classroom where their individualities can thrive.
I believe that children should love what they are learning. Because of this mentality I will strive to evaluate my teaching strategies, centers, and learning styles of the children on a continuous basis. I believe it is very important to never become complacent as a teacher and to always be "on your toes" looking for next best way of helping your students grow into the young adults they will someday become.
The journey of a thousand miles does begin with one step; that step is dependent upon each individual student, but I know it is my job to find what step that is and to expand upon that "one step" until they can grow and develop into who they are.
I believe in Inclusion: the act of including children who have special needs into the general classroom is beneficial to everyone involved. There are so many things that children who perform and develop normally can learn from children in the class who have special needs. These types of experiences will teach children to be accepting of people in their lives that may be different from them. The same experiences are the ones they learn that will transfer to the real world and follow them throughout their lives. The children who have special needs and are in general education classrooms will gain an experience that will carry them into the real world as well; they will gain an experience of acceptance and diversity among their peers. I do not think it is fair for children who have special needs to be isolated in a different classroom from others because I find it very counterproductive. These children will grow into adults that will mingle and be a part of the greater population, and inclusion in a classroom setting is preparing them for that.
I believe too that school should be a safe and inviting place for students. I want to be a teacher who supports diversity, question-asking, uncertainty and challenges because, after all, those are all aspects that create new learning. I want to provide a classroom where children feel comfortable being who they are; a classroom where their individualities can thrive.
I believe that children should love what they are learning. Because of this mentality I will strive to evaluate my teaching strategies, centers, and learning styles of the children on a continuous basis. I believe it is very important to never become complacent as a teacher and to always be "on your toes" looking for next best way of helping your students grow into the young adults they will someday become.
The journey of a thousand miles does begin with one step; that step is dependent upon each individual student, but I know it is my job to find what step that is and to expand upon that "one step" until they can grow and develop into who they are.