Anyhow, I decided to share what I have written with you. This is my current philosophy of teaching. It's a work in process. It will always be a work in process, as I continue to develop and hone my craft. (Can I call teaching a craft)? or would it be better to say improve my skill? Anyhow, it's my first version, so I'll call it version 1.0.
Role of teacher
I believe that the principal role of the teacher is to facilitate learning for the students in what we teach. Students come to school to learn. It is our job, as teachers, to help students learn. While we may not know everything that is going on in a student’s life, it is our responsibility as teachers to be understanding and sensitive to that student’s story and experiences in order to understand how best to help that student to learn. Part of our responsibility is also to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for the students. While we are teachers with expertise in specific subject areas, we also come with a body of experience that transcends the walls of the classroom. We should also impart the knowledge and experience we have gained in order to prepare our students to be responsible global citizens.
Role of education
The role of education is to prepare students to be productive, conscientious, and responsible global citizens, and to be adaptable in a continually changing environment.
Role of impact on students
Each student comes to us with a capacity to learn, along with different gifts and life experiences they bring into the classroom. Teachers help students build confidence through both what is learned in the classroom and what can be applied to their lives outside of the classroom.
If a teacher believes in a student, that student will be more likely to believe in themselves.
Who you are as a teacher/educator
I am a teacher. I am an educator. I am a student. I am a facilitator. I am an encourager.
I believe that each of my students has the capacity to succeed, and encourage them to reach beyond their expectations. I bring value to my students through my experiences and the knowledge that I impart.
How will you and your training and your skills impact students in your classroom?
As a Mandarin Chinese teacher, I bring unique skills and background to my classroom, as I grew up in a home that spoke both Mandarin Chinese and English. However, growing up here in the United States, my first language is English. I can speak Mandarin Chinese with a native speaker’s accent, while at the same time I have the ability to relate to my students as a native English speaker and a second language learner, rather than a native Chinese speaker. This allows me to understand the unique challenges of learning English as a second language.
There are many stories from students of their teachers who had expectations that exceeded what they (the students) believed their own abilities to be. Under the guidance of these teachers, they indeed exceeded their own expectations. I strive to be that kind of teacher, helping each student realize and exceed their own goals in my classroom.
In addition to being a teacher, I am also a student. I have a passion for learning, and continue to improve my skills and knowledge. I strive to impart that same passion and love of learning to my students.