Teaching Philosophy
My Philosophy of Education, inspired by The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff can be summed up by “Accentuating the Positive and Eliminating the Eeyore”
Certain qualities are critical for an effective teacher and I will strive to always monitor and improve upon these characteristics for myself:
o Effective communication skills
o Positive, enthusiastic attitude
o Flexibility
o Strong intellect
This self-awareness will serve as a foundation for my philosophy of education.
The Tao of Pooh was a very influential book to me and that book also stresses the need to maintain a positive attitude. My enthusiastic approach to the classroom can help foster a spirit conducive to learning. Embrace the simplicity of Pooh and avoid the pitfalls of his friends in the woods (like the overzealous, or superficially excited Tigger; or knowledge for the sake of appearing clever or wise rather than for serving a higher purpose like Rabbit and Owl). As a teacher it is critical that I strive to bring kids to higher levels of learning, not like Rabbit or Owl, and to progress up Bloom’s Taxonomy of cognitive development. In addition, I need to fight the tendency of “Eeyores” who have such negative attitudes that it interferes with positive developments like learning, happiness, and the sense of accomplishment all students should feel. Even Piglet can teach us about the importance of self-confidence, a trait he too often seems to lack.
As a teacher, I must know my content as thoroughly as possible, be in charge of the classroom, and exude confidence in myself and my students.
Within each of us there is an Owl, a Rabbit, and Eeyore, and a Pooh. For too long, we have chosen the way of Owl and Rabbit. Now, like Eeyore, we complain about the results. But that accomplishes nothing. If we are smart, we will choose the way of Pooh. As if from far away, it calls to us with the voice of a child’s mind. It may be hard to hear at times, but it is important just the same, because without it, we will never find our way through the forest. (Hoff, 1982, p. 155)
o Effective communication skills
o Positive, enthusiastic attitude
o Flexibility
o Strong intellect
This self-awareness will serve as a foundation for my philosophy of education.
The Tao of Pooh was a very influential book to me and that book also stresses the need to maintain a positive attitude. My enthusiastic approach to the classroom can help foster a spirit conducive to learning. Embrace the simplicity of Pooh and avoid the pitfalls of his friends in the woods (like the overzealous, or superficially excited Tigger; or knowledge for the sake of appearing clever or wise rather than for serving a higher purpose like Rabbit and Owl). As a teacher it is critical that I strive to bring kids to higher levels of learning, not like Rabbit or Owl, and to progress up Bloom’s Taxonomy of cognitive development. In addition, I need to fight the tendency of “Eeyores” who have such negative attitudes that it interferes with positive developments like learning, happiness, and the sense of accomplishment all students should feel. Even Piglet can teach us about the importance of self-confidence, a trait he too often seems to lack.
As a teacher, I must know my content as thoroughly as possible, be in charge of the classroom, and exude confidence in myself and my students.
Within each of us there is an Owl, a Rabbit, and Eeyore, and a Pooh. For too long, we have chosen the way of Owl and Rabbit. Now, like Eeyore, we complain about the results. But that accomplishes nothing. If we are smart, we will choose the way of Pooh. As if from far away, it calls to us with the voice of a child’s mind. It may be hard to hear at times, but it is important just the same, because without it, we will never find our way through the forest. (Hoff, 1982, p. 155)
The second component of my teaching philosophy is to always understand the importance of my mission.
Per St. Thomas Aquinas, “The teacher is a vessel or agent who, with the help of God, can be said to teach just as a physician, with the help of nature, can be said to heal, and that teaching is a function of the contemplative as well as the active life. The purpose of education is to develop the total personality through drawing out the dormant capabilities and bringing them into complete harmony with each other.” (Gruber, 1973, p. 39)
Per Thomas Jefferson, the primary purpose of education is “the preparation of citizens and leaders for American Democracy…Our liberty can never be safe but in the hands of the people with a certain degree of instruction.” (Gruber, 1973, p. 115)
Therefore, I MUST:
Focus on constant improvement on the traits critical to effective teaching
Emulate teachers that inspired me throughout my life to achieve success
Keep instruction relevant and focused to the here and now
Work hard, but have fun! (me and the kids)
Always remember the awesome responsibility to be entrusted with developing future citizens and leaders that will shape the world in ways I can’t imagine.
Per St. Thomas Aquinas, “The teacher is a vessel or agent who, with the help of God, can be said to teach just as a physician, with the help of nature, can be said to heal, and that teaching is a function of the contemplative as well as the active life. The purpose of education is to develop the total personality through drawing out the dormant capabilities and bringing them into complete harmony with each other.” (Gruber, 1973, p. 39)
Per Thomas Jefferson, the primary purpose of education is “the preparation of citizens and leaders for American Democracy…Our liberty can never be safe but in the hands of the people with a certain degree of instruction.” (Gruber, 1973, p. 115)
Therefore, I MUST:
Focus on constant improvement on the traits critical to effective teaching
Emulate teachers that inspired me throughout my life to achieve success
Keep instruction relevant and focused to the here and now
Work hard, but have fun! (me and the kids)
Always remember the awesome responsibility to be entrusted with developing future citizens and leaders that will shape the world in ways I can’t imagine.
Teaching philosophy in Practice: Lesson Plans
For sample lessons for Personal Finance or from the 8th Grade Technology Course, please see below.
For day-to-day 7th and 8th grade lesson plan outlines or Accounting I (9-12), please see below.
For day-to-day 7th and 8th grade lesson plan outlines or Accounting I (9-12), please see below.
basics_of_credit_sample_lesson_plan.pptx | |
File Size: | 208 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
accounting_i_lesson_plan_template.docx | |
File Size: | 137 kb |
File Type: | docx |
lesson_plan_long_version.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
parts_of_computer.ppt | |
File Size: | 1256 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
8th_grade_lesson_plans.docx | |
File Size: | 45 kb |
File Type: | docx |
7th_grade_lesson_plans.docx | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | docx |