Teaching and Learning

     I believe that teaching is not only about the concepts and content. It is also about the journey, the motivation, and the social and life skills. Students deserve every opportunity to be the greatest they can be. I would like to be the bridge between a child with so many hurdles to overcome and a successful student. I think students become frustrated and overwhelmed and begin harboring negative feelings towards school. I want to instill a love of learning in every student that enters my class. This is my goal in my career, and my purpose in life. 

Description of how I will Teach

     I believe that behaviorism theories provide great avenues for guiding students to their greatest achievements  behaviorally and academically. Providing reinforcement for desired behavior and punishment for undesirable behavior are the building blocks of a well functioning classroom. I will focus on reinforcements, and the principle of least intervention. I will always have high expectations for my students, but never too high to reach leaving students frustrated. My hope is that my students will always feel loved and respected and will in turn love and respect me. Our students are the future of our world and I intend to make the world a better place by sending them into the world as better people. I want each child to leave my class better off than the way he or she entered it, with more knowledge and more kindness.

Justification 

     My philosophy is based upon research and data. High expectations are proven to motivate students to have higher self images and actually achieve higher grades. Also, by using behaviorist techniques I can guide my students with more success than simply allowing them to guide themselves. Some students are self-regulated learners or intrinsically motivated. These students love learning and are motivated regardless. These students may always success no matter the environment or teacher. I aim to help those who have given up on themselves and on school and on success. I want to be the one who changed their mind.