Ms. Emilie Keenan
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that all children are unique and that God has given them all something special to offer. I want my students to know that as a teacher I will assist each student in developing their own potential. I will incorporate all students’ learning styles into account and I will make the content that I am teaching relevant to students’ lives so they have something to relate to.
As a teacher, I want my students to know that that I will do my best to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere so they can do their best and reach their fullest potential. I want my students to know that I care about them and I am here for them. I think it is important to have a good relationship with your students. I believe all students have the right to learn and should all have the opportunity to have an education. I believe that a classroom should be a safe and caring community. In my classroom I want children to be able to speak their minds and to be able to express themselves.
I will use strategies in my classroom that will allow students to flourish and grow. Some strategies I will use is morning meeting for younger students. I think morning meeting is a great way to have a safe environment for the students. It provides a sense of trust and allows the students to feel important. It also prepares the students for the day.
Another strategy I use in my classroom is positive vs. negative discipline. Giving the students positive reinforcement is important in the classroom. It is important to praise your student when they do something right instead of focusing on reprimanding them when they have done something wrong. Students look forward to that positive reinforcement and it makes them feel good and makes them want to do well.
Another strategy I use in my classroom is problem-solving skills and classroom jobs so students have some responsibility in the classroom. I believe that students have so much potential but in order for them to reach that potential they need to have a creative environment to learn in. I believe that making instruction engaging is one of the most effective ways for students to learn. Students need to be able to have engaging lessons to be able to perform successfully.
A constructivist-based inquiry approach is important because it allows the learners to actively engage in the process. I feel like this type of approach motivates students to learn and it also creates independent learners. The students are actively engaged in learning instead of just receiving information. It helps the students to understand the material first. Teaching is a form of art and it encompasses the desire to motivate and encourage children to love learning.
As a teacher, it is my job to give the students a positive and safe environment for them to learn in. Children have a desire to learn and I will allow my students to take an active role in their learning. I will provide an environment that has trust in which students are confident to share their ideas without fear of rejection. I will be there for my students and assist them in learning objectives and their own individual goals and needs. I will give my students the positive feedback necessary to maintain a desire to learn. I will aim to be the best teacher that I can be.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education – DeSales University
Masters Credits in Early Childhood Education – DeSales University