Teaching Philosophy
I believe school is the one place where students should be able to ask questions, explore and share new ideas, learn, and question authority. By questioning authority, I mean challenging the ideas presented to them and forming their own opinions. As an educator, it is my job to provide such an environment that incorporates all of these elements.
Every student has the potential to change this world, but in order for that to happen, they must be equipped with the right skills. In every class I teach, in addition to learning the importance of canonical and non-canonical literature, I want students to develop the following:
· Critical Thinking Skills
· Critical Reading and Writing Skills
· Standard Grammar and Vocabulary
All of these skills are key components to a successful life. Thus, it is my goal to equip every student who steps into my classroom with these skills.
Ideally to accomplish all of this, I would have one semester which focuses on the Grammar aspect of English and one semester that focuses on the Literature aspect. I hope to be able to use the Shirley Method for teaching grammar. The Shirley Method teaches grammar through jingles and grammar exercises. I grew up with the Shirley Method, and despite having hated it while in school, I appreciated all the knowledge I gained from it. For the Literature aspect, I want to teach my students using canonical and non-canonical literature as well as poetry to give them a wider base and knowledge of literature. It is pertinent that students understand the importance and power of literature.
When I was little, I despised reading. However, when I got to middle school my English teacher made us read a book of our choice from several genres from mysteries, sci-fi, and adventures to autobiographies and non-fiction. This piqued my interest in reading. I discovered many new worlds and explored ideas I had never even thought about because of this. I am now an avid reader and have my middle school English teacher to thank for it. I hope to have a similar requirement for my students.
Discussion is very important to learning. I want to create a classroom environment that promotes collaboration. By encouraging and expecting active participation, students will gain a more concrete knowledge of the material rather than just an abstract or hypothetical understanding.
I believe that words and thoughts are the most powerful gift humans possess. I believe this so much so that I have dedicated my life to teaching students languages. I believe that to have a firm grasp on language, it is important to learn several languages. I hope to teach English and French and leave each and every student with a sense of empowerment through his/her newly developed skill set.
Every student has the potential to change this world, but in order for that to happen, they must be equipped with the right skills. In every class I teach, in addition to learning the importance of canonical and non-canonical literature, I want students to develop the following:
· Critical Thinking Skills
· Critical Reading and Writing Skills
· Standard Grammar and Vocabulary
All of these skills are key components to a successful life. Thus, it is my goal to equip every student who steps into my classroom with these skills.
Ideally to accomplish all of this, I would have one semester which focuses on the Grammar aspect of English and one semester that focuses on the Literature aspect. I hope to be able to use the Shirley Method for teaching grammar. The Shirley Method teaches grammar through jingles and grammar exercises. I grew up with the Shirley Method, and despite having hated it while in school, I appreciated all the knowledge I gained from it. For the Literature aspect, I want to teach my students using canonical and non-canonical literature as well as poetry to give them a wider base and knowledge of literature. It is pertinent that students understand the importance and power of literature.
When I was little, I despised reading. However, when I got to middle school my English teacher made us read a book of our choice from several genres from mysteries, sci-fi, and adventures to autobiographies and non-fiction. This piqued my interest in reading. I discovered many new worlds and explored ideas I had never even thought about because of this. I am now an avid reader and have my middle school English teacher to thank for it. I hope to have a similar requirement for my students.
Discussion is very important to learning. I want to create a classroom environment that promotes collaboration. By encouraging and expecting active participation, students will gain a more concrete knowledge of the material rather than just an abstract or hypothetical understanding.
I believe that words and thoughts are the most powerful gift humans possess. I believe this so much so that I have dedicated my life to teaching students languages. I believe that to have a firm grasp on language, it is important to learn several languages. I hope to teach English and French and leave each and every student with a sense of empowerment through his/her newly developed skill set.