Running head: PHILOSOPHY 1

Teaching Philosophy

Kelsie Weyer

Regent University
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My personal philosophy of education is that every child is worthy of a champion in their

lives. As teachers, we are given the privilege of being a major source of influence during a

child’s week day. No matter their home life, ethnicity, culture, or gender, each student is able to

have a caring adult present in their lives every day in the classroom. Teachers must respond to

this opportunity to fulfill their calling. In order to surrender to this role, there are many

responsibilities a teacher must undertake.

Teachers are responsible for differentiating instruction for the needs of each individual

student. This shows the students that they are worthy of attention and to have their personal

learning style and level genuinely considered for varying instructional strategy. Students are not

“cookie cutter learners” and should therefore receive specialized instruction since according to

Psalm 139:14 we are each, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (The New, 2005). Children will

enter the classroom at a variety of learning levels, so lessons must be specialized the

accommodate the various learning needs of the class. By recognizing the unique backgrounds,

ethnicities, interests, and learning styles of each students, teachers are able to build a community

based on acknowledging and utilizing the uniqueness of each learner.

There are also community responsibilities of the teacher. An educator’s reputation in the

community also greatly affects their position in the classroom. Since teachers do not simply live,

eat, and breath at the school, they should involve themselves around the community to show that

they are invested in the community, not just the students. Involvement in the community shows

the depth of how much the teachers care about their neighbors and surroundings. They must also

be cautious to display a consistent set of moral standards out in the community, since being a

teacher is an all-day job. As role models, we are commanded in 1 Peter 2:12 to maintain good

conduct no matter where we are, so that no one may question our character (The New, 2005).
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Although teachers are people too and are allowed to have fun, they should keep in mind that the

society they live in will hold them to a higher standard for how they act, even outside of the

classroom.

Teachers should also open communication with the families. Family involvement is

highly essential to the success of a student’s education. A teacher’s work during the school day

has only limited impact if the parents are not involved with their child at home. By

communicating and involving the family, teachers are demonstrating to students that their

education is important to a wide variety of people, especially those closest to them, such as their

parents. This line of communication is also greatly important for parents to voice their concerns

in regard to education and their student’s classroom experiences. It also promotes parents to

volunteer to become involved in the classroom or to chaperone field trips. Parent involvement

creates an overall stronger learning environment.

Teachers also have a responsibility to their coworkers and administrators. Educators must

be honest and reliable. If they commit to completing a task for a fellow teacher or someone else

of staff, they should follow through and keep true to their word as a dependable worker.

Teachers are also responsible for maintaining a healthy and peaceful work environment. They

should not spread gossip, but rather confront conflict with an honest and respectable attitude.

Teachers must respect one another and attempt to maintain healthy relationships in the school.

Also, rather than simply complaining about decisions, teachers should offer solutions to

problems. By offering their helpful ideas, they are contributing to the solution, rather than the

perpetuation of the problem. As Hebrew 12:14 proclaims, “Make every effort to live in peace

with everyone” (The New, 2005).

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When I first began working in classrooms and studying elementary education, there was

always an emphasis on special needs and lower-level students. Therefore, my focus was initially

on reaching those students and catering to their needs. While this is still an important aspect of

teaching, my philosophy has changed to also incorporate the needs of the average and higher

achieving students. Through my experiences in the classrooms, I have witness how these

students can fall to the sidelines. I truly believe every child deserves a champion, no matter if

they are special needs, general education, or gifted.

In order to align myself with my teaching philosophy, I have created a few goals for my

first years of teaching. At the beginning of the school year, I want to sit down with each student

individually and have them create their own academic, behavioral, and personal goals for the

year. Then we will check-in periodically to track their progress, which will allow me to gain

further insight into the lives of each child. Another goal is to empower my class by developing a

personal relationship with each student and to instill in them a growth mindset. As a new teacher,

I will also strive to learn from experienced teachers and receive feedback with an open mind.

As a Christian educator, my faith plays an important role in my teaching philosophy. I

want each child to feel cared for and loved. One main hope I have is that not even one of my

students will feel overlooked. Just as the shepherd left to retrieve his lost sheep, I will also strive

to ensure that none of my students feel left behind. I will give them every opportunity to start

each day with a fresh beginning, for God’s mercies are new every morning. My current teaching

philosophy will guide me to be an empowering and uplifting teacher. However, as I continue to

grow as a teacher through my experiences throughout the years, I am sure my philosophy of

education will continue to develop as well.

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References

The New American Bible. (2005). Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor.