Teaching Philosophy
I would contend that learning, in and of itself, is intrinsically engaging and motivating, and great teachers love learning. When people find out I am a Chemistry and Physics Teacher they often say things resembling, “you must be really smart,” or “you must really love science,” but I don’t think either statement is really true. I don’t think of myself as really smart, a reality my students remind me of all the time. I am continually inspired by the creativity and intelligence of my students. The questions my students ask are always an encouragement to me because I love learning and continue to learn new things every day. I like science, but I wouldn’t say I love it when I compare it to my love of learning. I believe this passion for learning, growth, is at the core of all great teachers. Learning is natural. It is not our job as teachers to force students to memorize facts, such as the atomic mass of Carbon or Newton’s 1st Law; it is our job to equip them with tools for learning, and guide them through a subject of study, such as chemistry or physics. This is our challenge as teachers, how do we unearth, inspire, and encourage the natural curiosity of our students? How do we build an environment, a relationship, a safe place for students to venture outside of their comfort zones, to fail, get back up and figure something out? How do we give students just the right amount of support, not too much as to take away the “aha” moment, but enough as to not leave them drowning in confusion? Great teachers pursue these questions, constantly changing, constantly growing, constantly learning.