Julie Derby
11318 Gold St
Omaha, NE 68144
JLD88358@creighton.edu
(402)213-5555

Teaching Philosophy

           Each child is unique; being able to teach to each child as an individual is a complex job. As a progressivist, I believe I can reach every student. This philosophy is more focused on the student than the teacher. Being student-centered means as a teacher I would be more focused on individual needs of the students. The theory of a progressivist is that students learn by doing. The students create their own learning environment by doing hands on activities. To reach all of the students the teacher must use good visual aids, have clear auditory directions, and have multiple hands on activities. Of course, by being a progressivist I would need to have a good handle on classroom management, so I can still be in control of the classroom. I would also have to be very motivating.

           There’s a saying that goes, “attitudes are catching.” This is very true. To motivate my students I will also have to be enthusiastic. I personally would need to have a positive attitude about what I am teaching. If I can demonstrate that I find the subject fascinating, the students will be more interested. An interesting lesson plan will benefit my teaching style and my students. I also need to be able to read my students reaction to my teaching – if they seem bored or confused I must change my approach or review the basics of my material. If I know my students and where they come from I can tailor my teaching to be much more effective. Teaching without being sensitive to the student’s backgrounds can be a waste of effort and valuable learning time.

           Progressivists are focused on changing the future through education. They believe that education is crucial in forming the social fabric that makes up a strong community. As a progressivists I would be teaching the students to be model citizens and to respect other cultures. In a diverse society, being a model citizen and having respect is highly important. Also by having many hand-on activities students will be much better prepared for the “real world.” Progressivist believe that the true value of education lies in what is incorporated into the student’s way of life – this way what is learned can be applies to multiple facets of the student’s life. I believe that teachers are highly influential. And as a teacher I will influence my students to do great and amazing things!

Classroom Management Philosophy

           Having control over your classroom is important, for every teacher. Students won't be able to learn in an environment that is out of control and unsafe. My philosophy for classroom management starts with the students. I believe that if the students have ownership in the environment, projects, and their community they will learn more.

           As the teacher, I will serve as a role model for the students. If I want my students to have some control over their environment, then I have to show them a proper way of controlling their environment. Though the students have some control over their environment, I will have to have control over the students so ensure safety for all students.

           Providing an education is important. I not only think that providing an education of academics is important, but also an education of oneself and social interactions. I will develop both of these by building a community with in my class. I believe that by doing this I will know my students better. As the teacher, I want to know each individual student. The students will also grow and learn about their classmates. There will be more respect in the classroom if a community has been built. As apart of the school, you should take this a step further, and continue this community to the school and then neighborhood. This is an authentic way for the children to learn how to respect others.

           I will create an open environment for my students. That way they feel more comfortable bringing up issues to me or to the class. Children have many differences, and by having an open environment the students will respect their classmates.

           Preventing behavior problems is a major role of a teacher. The teacher needs to develop a relationship between herself and the students in her classroom and between the students themselves. This is why I think it is important to build a community within a classroom. Through the community there will be a respectful relationship. This is important for building rapport. But it is also important for the teacher to know their students before class starts. The teacher can do things like talk to previous teachers and send welcoming letters to home.

           Establishing rules and consequences are another ways of preventing behavior problems. Letting the students have some ownership in making the rules will help them remember and value the rules. As the teacher I think it is important that I follow each rule we establish in the class. It's important to be a positive role model for the students.

           Consequences don't have to be for negative behavior; having rewards for positive behavior will motivate students also. As the consequences are set up, it is important to follow through on them. This way you are being fair to all the students in the classroom. Also, by telling the students the consequences ahead of time will get the students thinking before they act.

For more please visit my Classroom Management website:
https://people.creighton.edu/~jld88358/management.htm

On this page:

Teaching Philosphy
Classroom Management Philosophy

Here some students are working on a social studies project.

Here some students and myself are watching parachutes fall to the floor.