Christina Lee Ocken

"Teach a child how to think, not what to think." - Sidney Sugarman

                Teaching Philosophy

            My philosophy of teaching is to promote positive learning, spark learner enthusiasm, and to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. I believe that teaching provides an occasion to enable and support students. As a teacher, it is my ambition to educate students to their highest potential, and intensify student learning with a positive experience. 

            My teaching philosophy revolves around the ideas of progressivism. I believe that education is an interactive and continuing process and a students learning should carry on outside of my classroom. I feel that education is more than just acquiring traditional school-based knowledge; it is comprised of personal life skills gained inside and out of the classroom.  My curriculum will be flexible, and my role will be to guide and integrate learning activities so that students can find the true meaning.

            Every student has the ability to succeed and become the person they want to become, and we as teachers can help them discover their true passion.  Not only will I provide students with the understanding of the traditional curriculum, but it is my goal to promote curiosity and critical thinking.  As a teacher, it is my goal to teach students the skills and confidence to think, rather than teach them what to think. 

            I believe that each and every student is exceptional, and has different learning abilities.  Therefore, my lesson plans and activities will be as diverse as my students.  I will utilize a variety of techniques and resources in order to make sure that all students are learning and interacting.  Intelligence describes a broad range of ideas, and portrays more than just a score on paper.  I want to help students discover what works for them as individuals, and will use every means possible.  Activities will range from, but not be limited to hands-on manipulative activities, visual and auditory representations, collaborative projects, and kinesthetic activities.  I believe that one size does not fit all. My goal is to understand each student as an individual, and learn what styles work for them. 

            As a teacher I will be aware of my students' emotional, social, psychological, and physical development as well as their cognitive growth. I believe that teachers should also view parents and community members as true partners in educational development. They can provide a motivational structure for each learning opportunity, and experience.

            As the key to the success of the classroom, an educator should convey an infectious amount of liveliness and enthusiasm. A classroom should be an engaging learning environment that stimulates and motivates students. I will convey an open mind, a constructive attitude, and elevated expectations to the classroom on a daily basis.  I hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such traits in children as well. All children can learn, and I want to help achieve this goal!