TAL Module 1 Reflection

My Teaching Philosophy
Kathryn Kolb
Marygrove College

TAL Module 1 Reflection

I believe that learning is a lifelong process. Effective teaching is more than

just standing in front of students and passing information on to them. I believe an
effective teacher is always trying to expand beyond the walls of their own classroom.
Teachers should learn from students just as much as they learn from the teacher. I
encourage my students by continuously questioning them on various topics that will
keep them motivated and active in the classroom discussions.
The students in a classroom possess different learning styles, cultural diversity,
career aspirations, and varying skill and knowledge levels. According to Lieberman and
Miller (2004), they state that schools will enroll more students who live in poverty, who
come from diverse countries and ethnic groups, and who represent different languages. I
believe that even though diversity holds a challenge in schools today, all students have
the ability to succeed. Differentiated instruction holds a powerful role in reaching all of
the needs of each student. Students have their own unique learning styles and it is my
responsibility as their teacher to discover these individual learning styles and to teach
according to them as much as possible, and students learn from teaching one another, so
in my classroom, students are constantly paired up with a partner or in a small group for
daily cooperative learning experiences. Students have their own unique learning styles
and it is my responsibility as their teacher to discover these individual learning styles and
to teach according to them as much as possible, and students learn from teaching one
another, so in my classroom, students are constantly paired up with a partner or in a small
group for daily cooperative learning experiences. I believe that students learn best by
being actively engaged, so my classroom is centered on hands-on work stations. I truly
believe in the statement "hands-on, minds on" and strive to incorporate daily activities

TAL Module 1 Reflection

that embrace this. Trust, positive attitude, and respect create an environment in which
students are more willing to participate and learn. In addition, as a teacher, creating lifelong learners, independent thinkers, and responsible citizens that strive to have a growth
mindset.
When I was younger, I had a very difficult time with school. I tried so hard in
math and it never came easy until I went into fifth grade. My fifth grade teacher
never gave up on me and was such a positive role model. She always taught new and
engaging strategies to meet all of her students individual needs. Until this day, she
has influenced my life tremendously and that is the reason I became a teacher at first.
I wanted to influence and change my students lives just as much as she influenced
mine. After student teaching and working as a Title I teacher, I really became
passionate about teaching. To see so many students succeed and show growth over a
short period of time was life changing. I knew that I wanted to continue to make a
difference in as many students lives as much as I possibly could. As stated by
Zander (2000), I am now able to use the possibility that my every act can affect the
world to communicate with people in such a way so that a wave of inspiration and
happiness can flow throughout the world (Zander, 2006, p. 62-63). I know that I can
change the world, one student at a time.
My philosophy of teaching influences what I do both inside and outside of the
classroom because I hold the same morals and values. I truly believe that you need to
earn the respect of your students in order for them to respect you in return. In order to
gain their respect, you need get to know your students on a personal level. Respect, trust
and love are three very important values in my life inside and outside of my classroom. I

TAL Module 1 Reflection

treat all of my students with respect as I would with anyone. I have unconditional love for
each of them and need to earn their trust so they can trust and confide in me.
I will remember one quality in particular that leaders like me hold and that is that
we have strong values. I will teach my students that although we may have different
values by the way we were raised; they should believe in their values and follow through
with being responsible of what is right and wrong. If my students stay aware and true to
their values, their success in school will progress and their confidence will continue to
bloom. It is my goal to instill a love of learning in each of my students.
I know that I will do everything I can to help my students succeed. As a life-long
learner, I know things change when you care enough to grab whatever you love, and give it everything
(Zander and Zander, 2000, pg. 74). My students will only positively change when I recognize my love for
them and give them everything I have, everyday as their teacher. With

the determined belief in the

potential of my students, I hope they can become confident in themselves and realize how
much they can really achieve if they try.

References

TAL Module 1 Reflection

Danielson, C. (2006). Teacher Leadership that Strengthens Professional Practice.

Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Lieberman, A. & Miller, L. (2004). Teacher Leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Zander, B. & Zander, R. (2000). The Art of Possibility. New York: Penguin.