“We human beings are social beings. We come into the world as the result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others. Whether we like it or not, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others’ activities. For this reason, it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
The classroom is an integral part of a child’s complex developing social world. This community of learners allows them to connect with and understand others and is a template for how they will view future relationships and community involvement. It is with this understanding that my teaching philosophy resides within the relationship between student and teacher as well as between peers to ultimately create a safe prosocial classroom environment.
I view lesson planning, classroom management, and overall teacher presence with a social emotional lens. I feel by doing this students learn audaciously, pursue their individual interests and passions free from judgment, and speak their mind as they know they are respected and valued within the classroom.
I believe, as a teacher and a role model, in unconditional compassion and patience towards all students. It is by doing so that we nurture the student teacher relationship and begin to understand the uniqueness of the child as an individual. By understanding the diverse interests, strengths, and needs of each child and providing the environment and resources to accommodate it allows each child to be successful in their learning.
As an educator I feel that there is time in the classroom for fun, laughter, and joy for they compliment and enrich learning. All children deserve to be happy, inquisitive, and engaged in the world around them.