If someone asked you to explain your philosophy of teaching, what would you say?  How would you begin to formulate a succinct statement that captures the essence of what you believe about teaching and learning?  Whether you can articulate it or not, you have a rationale for your pedagogy, your methods of teaching children (Athey, 1990).

A teaching philosophy is a statement of beliefs that guides actions.  Your personal or professional philosophy statement must communicate your beliefs about how children learn and grow, explain your view of the the teacher's role, and emphasize what you believe to be the most important for children to know, do, understand, and appreciate.

For this assignment articulate your teaching philosophy.  In it, consider the following points:

• What do you see as being your role?  Discuss your beliefs about to whom and for what you are responsible.  Include children, families, the community, and colleagues.

• What do you believe about how young children learn?  Write a series of statements that begin with the phrase "I believe that children learn best when..." Remember to consider how you will meet special needs and celebrate diversity.

• Why do you hope young children will become?  Write a series of statements that begin with the phrase "As a result of my influence, the children in my class would become..." Consider how you will guide children's behavior.

Philosophy statement of Maureen C. Busche

Children are our future.  How we treat and educate young children will affect our future.  I believe that positive early childhood experiences affect children's achievements and attitudes throughout their school careers and lives.  By focusing on strengths - what a child can do - development in all areas can be achieved in a positive, natural and meaningful way.  With this positive influence, children will gain academic, social, and emotional success.

I consider the best learning environment to be one in which children are actively involved.  Children need to create their own knowledge and express themselves creatively in order for meaningful learning experiences to take place.  When children are actively engaged in their learning, they begin to take ownership of their education.

All children have special gifts and talents.  These talents should be recognized and developed throughout a child's schooling through partnership with families and strong community ties.  By teacher's identifying the diversity in children and allowing them to develop areas of strength and interests, children will begin to value and feel good about their special gifts while developing an appreciation for and acceptance of differences in others.

Does your philosophy statement:
____  Defines the teacher's role
____  Presents a view of the child as a leaner and celebration of diversity
____  Explains the teacher's perspective on how all children learn
____  Identifies a curricular orientation and a multicultural perspective
____  Characterizes the teacher's approach to child guidance
____  Addresses collaboration with families and the community