Educational Philosophy

Progressivism!

Let's focus on the needs and interests of our students as a main goal.

It shouldn't matter who the student is, or where they are coming from. Every student is deserving to recieve what they need from us; whether that is basic needs, a higher education, counselling for trauma inflicted students, mental health issues, socialization, behavioural problems, etc. I don't believe that an educator should just be solely focused on one outcome, but rather what is going to benefit each student in particular. To meet all the needs and interests, our classroom is definitely going to be busy; but I think that's what makes teaching so special... impacting the lives of so many for the better. 

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1) For some students, school is their escape from their home life. To fufil the basic needs aspect, our classroom would be filled with:

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  Food & Water- bowls of fruit, vegetables, granola bars, etc., in our classroom for all students to access at any time of the day if they are feeling hungry. I would never want to single a child out in front of others as they could feel embarrassed. Water bottles would also be kept in stock in case we are still dealing with COVID and don't have access to a water fountain to drink out of.
• Clothes- in particular, extra winter clothing for students who do not come to school dressed appropriately.
• Hygiene Products- this would be dependent on the age. If all parties were on board, we could also set up a system/routine that the child has a shower in the gym every morning, as well as brushes their teeth.
• Extra School Supplies
• Extra Gym Shoes

If a student comes to school so tired that they cannot function properly, I will definitely let them have a sleep. I would also reach out to programs (such as the breakfast program), to see if any of them could be implemented in the school or our classroom, to ensure my students are receiving the best care, to the greatest extent.

2) The statistics of students entering our classroom with mental health issue is on the rise. This might be seen through anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. Ways that I could help my students with this need/interest include:

    -  Lessen the pressure of academics and instead provide support.

    -  Get trauma informed.

    -  Work with a team.

    -  Mindfulness activities.

    -  Gratitude journals.

    -  Calming corners.

    -  "Talk to Me" jar.

    -  Counselling.

3) Some students use school as a way of personal growth, for socialization and behaviour intervention. In order to address these areas, I envision our classroom to be structured with:

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  Team work.
• Games.
• Lots of talking/collaboration activities.  
  
• "I do, we do, you do" procedures.

4) Finally, as always, some students come to school for the academics. However, it is important to note that not all of the students will be at the same "level"; yet, all learners need to be taken into consideration and included in the learning. Ways this can be achieved:

-  Lessons reflect both individual work and group work.

-   Hands on activities.

-   The curriculum will be followed and stretched for high achievers, but adapted/modified to make the weaker students feel included and successful.

-   Extra support for those students who need it, such as literacy intervention strategies/programs.

-   Demonstrate to students how to think critically, and work both independently and as a team.

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There are many ways I would structure our classroom to help all students, while still keeping it organized. I want to be the positive person/place that the students can be comfortable with; and hopefully influence and impact their lives for the better. I see myself as a very balanced teacher that always wants the best for my students, and I will adapt to specific circumstances as I see fit!