Teaching Philosophy

1. My Teaching Philosophy
First and foremost, I care deeply for each and every one of my students. Every year, I
make it a priority to develop positive and trusting relationships with all of them. Research
suggests that among school-related factors the teacher matters the most. I provide engaging
activities, projects and literacy based on my students’ interests to build on their strengths while
consistently improving any areas of weakness. To be an effective teacher who creates success
for her students, I focus on these six areas as best practice:
Environment
 Safe
 Inclusive
 Areas of interest
 Cooperative
 Shared responsibility
Community
 Acceptance
 Respect diversity
 Encouragement
 Problem-solving
 Collaboration
ClassroomManagement
 Fair
 Consistent
 Positive choices
 Natural consequences
 “Fill My Cup” Program

2. Curriculum
 Rigorous
 Interest-based
 Differentiated
 Engaging
 STEAM
Home/School Connections
 Daily communication
 Weekly newsletters
 Monthly calendars
 Classroomblogs
 Conferences
Teacher Role & Responsibility
 Model respect
 Show empathy
 Build trust
 Provide high expectations
 Focus on student strengths
“I am still learning.”
Michelangelo

3. Just a “small” glimpse into my classroom

4. Painting “The Starry Night” by artist Vincent van Gogh
Hammering nails into blocks of wood
Sorting/Stacking blocks for number recognition
Making groups of 10 using colorful chips
Dressing up on the 100th
day of school (Carl from “UP”)
Watching “The 3 Billy Goats Gruff” at the Carnegie Library
Holding hands with a friend during circle time stories
Deciding how you feel and creating playdoh faces
Designing a habitat & creature after listening to “Pezzettino” by Leo Lionni
Making snow angels on the playground
Forming bridges from snow
Designing a soccer arena for Messi and keeping score with chalk blocks
Painting pictures of Monet’s Chrysanthemums
Building the University of Pittsburgh with small blocks
Creating open-ended art with foam paint
Cutting and painting flowers out of paper cupcake liners