Teaching Philosophy & Classroom Management

Summary of Teaching Philosophy Communication, communication, communication...by any and all means! Help students find their voices and to listen to others. Promotion of a caring, democratic and cooperative community is the most important endeavour for all class members. If written output is challenging, begin with visual imagery, or oral presentations, or use scribes and writing circles. “Quality work feels good.” (Glasser) for both students and teacher. Self-esteem and self-advocacy are built through knowing and doing - from feeling participatory, "productive" and "successful". Vygotsky’s “proximal moments” (just-in-time-learning, scaffolding, nudging to next step/level), learn by doing, multiple intelligences/entry points, learning styles (Myers Briggs), emphasis on process, effort, craftsmanship, idea generation and refinement, problem solving, and overall organization. Always look for the cross-curricular opportunities (i.e., Grade 8 Mythology = Henri Matisse cutouts of mythic characters in the art room, or Freud = Surrealism).

Develop class rules as a community, injecting teacher’s own “must haves” as well (shared responsibility for keeping room orderly and neat. Be flexible, accessible and listen, co-investigator in learning (lifelong learner), facilitation. Learning to communicate well underpins all teaching, whether in writing, speaking or visual. Emphasize the narrative: telling stories - our own and others. Classroom Management Canvass for the experienced students who wish to pursue a creative career. They become class resources and peer tutors and receive higher marks for “employability”. As well, they pursue independent projects with my facilitation and support. Is there perhaps a large-scale, group project – something for the school or district? A mural? Assistance with Drama for sets? Is there a special field trip they'd like as a group? Emphasize portfolio work. I have a good, natural rapport with teenagers. I like being in their company and am interested in their lives and stories. My style is very present and engaged - always demonstrating or showing exemplary student work. I'll work on projects alongside students, adding a pleasant communal tone.