Sarah Yoscary

Philosophy of Education
I believe that it is my role as an educator to construct the electrical
wiring that connects to the light bulbs over a childs head. The light
bulbs of which become illuminated when he or she reaches a moment
of understanding. My goal as an educator is to help my students light
up their light bulbs, and brighten up their faces with big smiles in the
classroom. I will do this by providing my students with an environment
in which they can all, no matter what race, gender, ethnicity, or
capabilities achieve to their highest potentials. I desire to create a
warm and welcoming space that is open to all ideas and encourages
students to be themselves and to take risks. I want to achieve
greatness in shaping the minds of the future in a way that produces all
different shapes, because no one student is the same.
Knowing that all students come in different shapes, and with different
capabilities, I believe that as a teacher, it is my obligation to know all
of my students to my best abilities. This includes knowledge of their
academic levels, accommodations, modifications, education plans,
their social and emotional levels, and any other information that would
help me to better educate them as students and as well functioning
members of society. Using this information, I can design assessments
for my students based on their accommodations or lack there of. For
example, students who are at different levels in math may receive
different levels of math problems to complete, or a student who is
frustrated easily may receive assessments with a few problems at a
time, or a student may receive extra time on an assessment if that is
what the student needs. Assessment should be developed for each
student in a way that is fair and allows each student to demonstrate
his or her knowledge on subject matter. Not only do I want to know my
students, but also I want to be involved in their community and

communicate with their families. I will reach out using letters, and
phone calls, attend IEP meetings, staff meetings, and be an involved
member of the community. By applying the knowledge I know about
my students, I will strive to create, under the instruction of the given
curriculum, proper, in depth lesson plans, using as much of my
knowledge, resources such as smart boards, laptops, and other
professionals, and skills I have acquired to ensure that my students will
be able to learn in the classroom no matter what accommodations or
modifications they may need, or what abilities are held by each
student.
I want to create and establish a culture of learning in my classroom. I
feel morally obligated to have the highest expectations for each
student, and to treat them with the utmost respect, hoping I receive
the same respect in return in order for our classroom to be as effective
as possible in the learning process. I will be honest with each of my
students and establish reciprocal relationships with each child in the
classroom, because the better my relationships are with my students,
the more open and comfortable the students will feel in the classroom,
which affects all aspects of learning. This can include academic skills,
participation in class, and social skills with peers, myself, and other
adults. I believe that using preventative and supportive behavior is
more effective than simple correction. I can achieve this by creating
rules and regulations with my class, using their input and thoughts,
and by praising for good behavior in a way that is comfortable with the
student. Not only do I want my actions and words to foster learning in
the classroom, but also I desire to have the physical space of my
classroom organized to promote learning. I will accomplish this by
decorating my classroom with student work and projects, bulletin
boards, job boards, centers for learning, create a safe zone where
students can go when they need time to themselves, and create a

classroom environment that fosters student creativity. Most

importantly, I will keep a positive attitude in the classroom not only
through the good experiences I encounter, but also through the most
difficult obstacles, in order to become a better professional and ensure
my students are receiving the best education possible.
I desire to create a strong sense of communication in the classroom. By
being actively involved with my students, I hope to be able to keep
them engaged and willing to follow instruction. I will use assessment
and pre-assessments as resources for guidance in creating lesson
plans. I will use pre-assessments at the beginning of new lessons so I
can better understand what my students strengths and weaknesses
are, and in result, will be able to better create and teach proper
lessons. I want to ensure that all of my students are prepared for
assessments by using as many tools and resources I can to properly
demonstrate and teach lessons. This can include turn and talk, hands
on activities, group activities, and importantly the implication of
technology in the classroom to aid in instruction and learning. During
lessons, I will engage with students using questions and discussions,
and will be open to student ideas. To better captivate students in the
learning process, I can have them teach one another in group or
partner settings, lead class discussions, and have them provide their
own input to further aid in the educating process. Using this format, I
hope to be able to teach my students not only to be successful, but
also to be self-sufficient.
As a professional, I believe that I have many responsibilities. I feel
cooperation is a vital aspect in being a successful educator. This
includes cooperating with educators in all fields, administration,
students, students families, and the community itself. Working
positively with other educators such as resource professionals and

professionals who teach special subjects such as art, gym, or music is

vital to allowing my students to receive a well-rounded education.
Building strong relationships with my peers and colleagues will also
provide my students with a positive model to learn how to build
relationships with their peers as well. I believe that not only is
assessment of my students necessary, but the assessment of my
teaching is equally as important for me to learn and grow as an
educator. Creating these assessments, following up on the
assessments, and making my students and myself stronger learners is
essential. Another responsibility of mine is creating a warm and
welcoming environment that allows my students to be comfortable in
being open, being honest, and being themselves as well as thriving
educationally. Most importantly, as a professional, I realize that
learning is lifelong and never ending, so I will ensure I remain
amenable and open for improvement.