Philosophy

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

As a parent and educator I believe that it takes a community to educate a child. Parents entrust teachers to take their children and educate them beyond what is done in the home environment. It is then up to the teacher to be a role model and mentor and to give each student the opportunity to learn. Ultimately the responsibility of utilizing that knowledge becomes the responsibility of the individual. It is up to me, however, to demonstrate how the material will be useful and helpful.

To be an effective teacher I believe that you must first be able to reach students to teach students. You must come to understand the children in your classroom. Listening to my students will give me insight as to where they’re coming from culturally and how relationships with family and friends influence them.

Effective communication enables the teacher to convey not only expectations and policies but also the lessons which will enable students to grow intellectually and emotionally. When students are consistently held to high expectations and given the confidence to believe that they can succeed, they will achieve their goals.

Part of communicating with students entails establishing how the classroom is to function from day to day. Setting up the policies and procedures from day one is crucial. Respect and responsibility are two simple rules that I will enforce in my classroom. Every person in my classroom deserves to be treated with respect, and every person should be responsible for their actions. If this code of ethics is adhered to, then the classroom will be a safe haven for individual growth.

Understanding that each child brings with them their own unique learning abilities and developmental needs, my lessons should be as varied as my students. Using multiple strategies and resources in my classroom will enable students the opportunity to learn based on their individual strengths. There are many ways to express intelligence and I want to give my students a way to discover ways that work best for them. My goal is to keep students motivated through activities that they find fun and worthwhile.

Finally, as a teacher I want to encourage each student to become a life-long learner. I want my students to realize that power is gained through knowledge and that by constantly seeking out knowledge they are only bettering themselves. With my class I want my students to know that we are a team and that I, myself, continue to learn with each day and together we will grow in order to fulfill each of our individual goals.

Send e-mail to Suzanne Reed

This page was last updated 11/24/2007