"I hear and I forget.  I see and I remember.  I do and I understand."  ~Chinese Proverb

          My teaching philosophy comes from not only what I have learned in school, but also from my own personal life experiences.  My philosophy will continue to change throughout my career as a teacher.

          Teaching is putting beliefs into practice.  I also believe that all students have the ability to learn.  As a teacher, I must understand that everyday I will be challenged by my students.  It is my job to meet these challenges and understand that every student learns in a different way.  I will use multiple teaching techniques in my classroom as a way to meet the needs of my students.

          I believe that students learn best in an environment where their opinions are valued.  As a student I was always afraid to ask questions in class.  I felt as though they were not good questions.  Then someone once told me that the only “dumb” question is the one that is not asked.  I hope to make my classroom a place where all of my students feel as if they can ask their “dumb” questions without being judged. 

          I also believe that the best learning environment is a friendly and positive environment.  Everyday should be filled with laughter, but there should also be structure.  In order to provide a good structure in a classroom there must be a schedule for the students to follow.  This schedule will provide students with the structure that they need to succeed.  It will also enforce the behavioral norms that I will expect in my classroom.  As a teacher I will expect to be treated with respect.  But I know that this will only happen if I treat my students with respect as well.

          I will set high expectations for my students.  In order to meet those expectations, I will set out goals for my students to meet.  I will give the students a syllabus as a guide to what I expect from them.  I will also use rubrics to provide feedback to my students.

          I will also set high expectations for myself.  Everyday is a new day and each day I will continue to learn.  Being a teacher does not make me always right or all knowing.  Instead, it gives me the opportunity to learn from those around me and to adjust my teaching style to meet the needs of my students.

          I will be energetic and enthusiastic about teaching.  When the teacher is excited about what they are teaching, then the students will be more likely to be engaged in the lesson.  A student that is engaged is more likely to learn.  My enthusiasm will help me to obtain one of my biggest goals – to convince students that history is exciting and that we are a part of it.  By bringing history to life in my classroom I hope to help students grasp that they are making history everyday.

          I will be a role model everyday.  Students are looking to become more independent adults’ everyday.  As a teacher I can show them one way to be successful.  I will provide them with the support and guidance to realize that if they can succeed in school then the possibilities are endless.

          I will remember that it truly does take a village to raise a child.  I will use outside resources to the best of my advantage in order to help my students succeed.  I will reach out to the families of my students – since we are all after the same goal of developing well – rounded individuals that will go on to succeed in life.

Contact:  Brianna Greco

Last Updated:  December 14, 2006