The Big Question

During my studies in education, and then again later at the interviews for my current teaching position, and countless times since, I have been asked to state my philosophy of teaching.  As all educators know, this is a question that will come up over and over again during our careers.  Prior to answering this question, I consistently feel compelled to explain my personal belief in the importance of change, flexibility, and being a life-long learner.  To make a single statement to answer this question just does not feel possible, and it would imply that my current pedagogical beliefs are permanent and will not change, and that is simply not the reality of the matter.  As I evolve in my profession, and continue to learn both through studies and my students, I will continue to embrace change in the field of education and will welcome new methods; therefore my practice is constantly evolving.  However, there are certain beliefs that I hold morally, ethically and professionally that I feel will always have a place in my classroom. 

I believe in equity in education, and universal design for learning. I strongly support the importance of accommodating the needs of all learners in my classroom and of doing my utmost to remove barriers in the learning process.  All children have a right to education and as a teacher it is my obligation to ensure that all learners have access to the curriculum.  I feel it is important to make space in my lessons for flexibility in the learning process, and that includes in the representation, the action or expression, and in the engagement process.  The learning process looks different for all children, and it is my professional responsibility to create a situation where genuine learning is possible for all children in my classroom. 

Another strongly held belief is that the job of an educator is to prepare students for success, both inside and outside the classroom and social/ emotional learning should hold an important place in any classroom.  Social/ emotional learning aims to educate the whole child, and places value on the crucial life skills any human being needs for success in life.  Academic success is only one by-product of stressing social/ emotional learning in the curriculum, but so are heightened levels of self-awareness, greater self-management, and more competent interpersonal skills. All students should leave the classroom with the vital tools they need to experience success  in their lives.

When I first began to address this often overwhelming question regarding my philosophy of teaching, I had to explore my personal beliefs and acknowledge that I embrace change in pedagogy. Therefore, I welcome new educational studies and research within my profession, and as a result, I will never cease to adjust my practice.  However, I do feel confident that I will continue to champion equitable education and the right to accommodation in the learning process, as well as the importance of educating the whole child by emphasizing the crucial skills taught in social/ emotional learning. I would absolutely love to hear from other teachers on this common area of discussion.  How do you answer this question? Has your philosophy changed over the years? Are you able to answer in a single, concise statement, or do you require more of a longer conversation to feel you have addressed the question thoroughly? Please feel free to share your thoughts, I would love to hear from you.