My First Steps...

Ms.Pearl
Sep 26, 2018
4 min read

I was once asked to find 10 statements that represent me as teacher.

I came up with the following...

Providing a safe, inclusive, active and engaging environment is my first goal as an educator.

Creating a Safe Space

I dedicate myself to creating an environment that would give students opportunities to talk about issues such as mental health, bullying, racism, and diversity. According to the Minister's Student Advisory Council (MSAC), students are saying that they would like a learning environment that is socially and academically inclusive. I also provide constant positive reinforcement for success and failures. In doing this I am taking the focus off of what students don’t know and what they do know. Taking a positive and effective approach to student inquiry.

Building Relationships and Student Agency

As educators, I believe to have a successful class environment it is important that we find student interest. Have morning meetings and stay connected with your students. To build rapport and trust not only with the teacher but within the classroom with other students as well. It is also important to understand and highlight student voice. This develops student agency and confidence. In addition to agency, student support is just as important in the education system. This can be done by having a think-pair and share segment allowing students to present some of their ideas for change and creating a schedule check-in time for students.

Keep Learning Fun, Active and Engaging

I attended PHE’s Healthy School Communities Forum 2017 where I met with community partners and education leaders all took part in this renovation and reconstruction of the meaning of health in our schools. We discussed the dynamics of freedom, agency, and opportunity combined to allow for an increase in autonomy. In addition to the importance of wellness and support strategies in and outside of the classroom. Here is where I solidified my philosophy of keeping learning fun, active and engaging. As an educator, I strive to keep my lessons engaging and thought-provoking while implementing the interests of my students. This keeps my learning environment fun, light and open to new experiences.

Encouragement of Diversity and Learning Outside the Box.

Diversity is ever-lasting and understanding this fact is essential. This is a platform for students to succeed in every aspect of their lives. Everyone has something to offer. This is a theme and lesson I will always instill in my students. Diversity is everywhere, not one individual is identical to another. We all learn differently, and while I teach I encourage questions. This leads to different approaches to learning and inquiry. The students are the participants, observers and facilitators of activities. I believe that student leadership can lead to student input and vice versa. So when “learning out the box” becomes the norm, so will exploration of new ideas, concepts and theories. We are all different and collectively the same and I hope to leave this message engraved in the minds of my students. Now and the years to come.

Reciprocate Learning Relationship-

Teaching is not linear alone with the teacher on one end and learner on the other. It is a continuous cycle; my students and I will be learning from each other. We as educators can listen better by looking for suggestions and asking students for feedback. Not only are we the providers of information but we are also the leaders in the classroom to facilitate discovery. We must always give students the opportunity to learn and grow from each other.

Collaboration and inclusivity of all students with abilities seen or invisible.

Education leaders must maintain a strong vision of socially just education (Maxam & Henderson, 2013). Ministry of Education’s Inclusivity Act hopes for an inclusive system where all “students, parents, and other members of the school community are welcomed and respected”. To create a system in which all students are "supported and inspired to succeed in a culture of high expectations for learning” (Ministry of Education, 2009).

Flexibility

Flexibility in classroom design and execution of curriculum information. I like to work in a classroom where teachers understand individual student needs and learning styles. Using class profiles to help develop the most effective lesson/unit plans to ensure enduring understanding. We must school to ensure high academic achievement of all students. At the same time, it should promote classrooms that are “safe havens, where differences are celebrated, and students’ strengths are maximized” (Maxam & Henderson,2013). Howard Gardner’s idea of multiple intelligences speaks to this concept in my teaching. Differentiated learning is the new wave of teaching, that provides optimal learning opportunities.

Positive Class Climate

I believe that this is a key aspect when developing a positive class climate. To have respect and Regulations and classroom norms created with the entire class, made for the entire class. A student is the creation of their past learning. Remember students of the cause and changing in everyday situations. This is enforcing the development of citizenship and personal reflection.

Including passion in your learning every day.

My philosophy is fostered by encouraging the growth of academic interest in whatever field they find intriguing. Knowledge is not fixed, but emergent in all forms. When approaching education from the point of view of the child, it is key to factoring their interest and values. Thus, allowing for intrinsic motivation for learning. Motivation leads to positive outcomes in mental health and stigma.

Growth Mindset

Education is evolving, and so should our student support system. It is no longer stationary, rigid and filled with prosaic ideas. Learning the power of “YET” is the best way to begin. Letting your students know that anything is possible will change their outlook on life. Soon, trying challenging things will seem less difficult and confidence will shine through the fear and doubt. Positive reinforcement is an element of change and transformative development. Each come together as a network to create liberation, freedom, and empowerment for each student.