1. Teaching Philosophy
Divorce, struggle, shyness, uncertainty, and emotional! These words are a depiction of
childhood for many, including myself. One great theme we see across many books is that
conflict and struggle often lead to change. As you know, this notion was true during times of the
American Revolution and the Civil War, and can be true of anyone's life. As the years passed, a
positive mindset, the power of choices, and many exceptional teachers set the stage for my
teaching philosophy and personal teaching style. Therefore, my goal as the media specialist is to
help students find a love for reading and promote the notion that reading can “take you places.”
My goal at the beginning of every school year is to develop a level of trust with each
individual student. I firmly believe that trust is the gateway to receptive learning. To achieve this
goal, I speak to every student by name as they enter the library. I start the day by saying, “It’s
going to be a great day for reading, the choice is yours.” The power of choices can be learned at
an early age. It’s a quote that I hope students will carry with them throughout life.
Furthermore, I allow my students the opportunity to express themselves. Obviously, I
may not always agree with them, but will often respond, “I understand your feelings and I hear
you saying _____.” These relationships develop a classroom that allows for constructive
feedback. It makes students willing to work toward improving themselves socially and
academically. A safe learning environment is only developed when students know that their voice
is heard. Additionally, when students feel safe and loved, they will work hard and engage in
learning. Students will also be more receptive to book suggestions.
Through these little interactions, I pride myself on my ability to create a kind, respectful,
trustworthy relationship with all my students. Only then will students learn at a level that is not
2. only standards based, but life altering. They will remember the sense of safety, kindness and
respect they felt when in the library.
At that point, the teaching can begin! With the help of my principal and colleagues I now,
with confidence, have taught an integrated curriculum, which has prepared me for collaborative
teaching as the teacher/librarian. Marrying ELA and Social Studies has been challenging, yet I
find it fun. I can teach big ideas or themes that relate to both literary and informational text. One
teaching strategy I use is Inquiry circles from stories in Junior Great Books are also used to
engage students. In 2019, Superintendent Richard Woods observed my class discussing how big
ideas from The Cello of Mr. O, a Junior Great Book story, related to famous abolitionists and the
Civil War. His observation was one of my proudest teaching moments. My students were
engaged and allowed their knowledge of the content to overflow. I have not yet mastered the idea
of an integrated curriculum, but am well on my way.
Teaching and learning is in constant motion. I believe every moment is a teachable one. I
believe all children deserve love, respect, kindness, and can find a love for reading.. If we set
high expectations before children partnered with a growth mindset, they will bring their personal
best to the table. As you can see, as a media specialist, I have the ability to instill a positive
mindset, the power of choices and BE the exceptional teacher in their lives.
