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Samantha OGorman

Philosophy Statement

Learning is similar to a jigsaw puzzle, to begin with a goal is needed to achieve

the desired result. Step by step no matter how small it seems at the time the
pieces of the puzzle will eventually fall into place and form a picture. It is with
this moto I hope to show that long term goals, no matter how unrealistic they
seem, are achievable. With this motto, students will learn that perseverance is
the key to overcome any obstacle they are faced with, both in the classroom and
throughout life. As an Educator, I firmly believe that with hard work comes great
results. With this theory in mind my students will learn to be self-motivated even
at their most challenging times. In order for students to become self-sufficient
learners they must acquire all aspects of learning. With support and patience my
students will feel as though they can achieve anything they put their mind to.
When individual student issues arise I will address them with great empathy
in an approachable manner.

As a teacher, I firmly believe that with guidance and support students with
Issues of knowledge and Learning will succeed. It is extremely important to
myself, that I recognise these students struggling with concepts and content,
and in doing so find a different way to teach it. Personally, while it may be
challenging to understand a new concept or strategy, it is vital that I
demonstrate how certain concepts can be learned simply by a new strategy.

It is of great importance to me that I maintain positive relationships with

both students and colleagues. It is easy to become dismissive and withdrawn
from students however I believe that it is my job to always remain engaged and
help students to the best of my ability. As a teacher I aim to be a communicator
who is always open for suggestions. With ongoing professional development and
collaboration with colleagues I will strive to be the best version of myself. My
classroom is one that is inclusive to all students regardless of gender, ability and
background. It is an ongoing learning space that provides a supportive network
in which students feel safe to express themselves. When entering the classroom
students will feel they have a purpose as they strive to become intellectually
curious in all learning areas. With this desire to learn students are able to
become critical thinkers and creative geniuses. I personally endeavour to

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Samantha OGorman

Philosophy Statement

become a lifelong learner and in doing so show the students that learning
expand beyond the classroom.

While the curriculum is predetermined I strive to be flexible in how I teach.

Keeping this in mind I will aspire to always keep my teaching style relevant to the
students in my class. I aim to integrate multiple subjects of relevance into a unit
of work. By doing this students are not pigeon holed into thinking that a subject
is only relevant to that subject. Instead, learning continues beyond just one
learning area and can be both taught and assessed. I will personally make an
effort to discover the current interests of the students and aim to incorporate it
into my Units. As a Queensland accredited teacher, I recognise that the
Curriculum is forever changing and with it so will my flexibility in conjunction
with Australian Curriculum.

As a member of the community I aim to be both a positive influence and role

model in the lives of my students. The word Community is one that I hold
highly. It is with great desire that I aim to incorporate the communities in which
my students derive from into my everyday teaching. With the great Australian
Culture comes the Indigenous Australian Heritage. While the Curriculum does
recognise Indigenous heritage it does not place as much emphasis as I would like
on it. Ideally, I will set out to incorporate ways that are engaging and beneficial
to the students learning. For example, culture days where students swap their
heritage though either, song, dance, music or an oral presentation. Allowing
students to depict their culture in a creative way will provide an appreciation for
all cultures.

As a lifelong learner, I will uphold a professional teaching manner that aligns

with my own personal morals and values. That is, to always treat others the way
I would like to be treated. To be honest, reliable and purposeful in all that I do. To
be just and fair in decisions surrounding myself, peers and students. It is with

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Samantha OGorman

Philosophy Statement

these values and morals that I hope to inspire and instil in the many students I
will teach throughout my career.