Teaching Philosophy

At the start of each school year I will make it a priority to get to know the
students in my class and focus on building strong, trusting relationships
with them. Once I know the physical, social, emotional and intellectual
characteristics of my students then I can start to plan for each individual
student to ensure that I am catering for the diverse range of needs in my
classroom (APST 1). An important aspect of this for me is incorporating
the wide range of cultures into our classroom learning, ensuring I support
indigenous students and students of other cultural backgrounds (APST 1 &
2).
I will ensure that the students in my classroom know the learning
intentions at the start of each lesson using the acronyms WALT We Are
Learning To and WILF What Im Looking For, linking each lesson to the
Australian Curriculum or NSW Syllabus. I will also make my lessons
exciting for my students through lots of hands on activities, a range of
resources/equipment and use of ICT such as iPads, computers, interactive
whiteboards just to name a few. I aim to adapt literacy and numeracy
strategies that suit the range of students in my class. I believe that the
teaching strategies I use one year may not work the next year depending
on the students (APST 2 & 3). I would like to follow a routine in my class,
however have the flexibility to adopt and change on the spot if something
comes up or isnt working. I plan to use a range of verbal and non-verbal
communication in the classroom such as gestures, chants, clapping
rhythms and use of a bell (APST 3).
I strongly consider the classroom environment to be one of the most
important bases for good quality teaching. I plan to have an organised
classroom with equipment/resources easily accessible to students (APST
4). I also plan to have a colourful and visually appealing classroom with a
range of different learning spaces aimed at suiting the range of diverse
students in the class and their needs. Once the classroom is set up other
aspects of teaching should start to flow and fall into place. Student safety
is something I feel strongly about and will aim at working on that at the
start of each school year. Behaviour management is something else I plan
on getting right at the start of the year so students know the boundaries
and expectations in the classroom. I will do this by putting in place rules in
which the students can have an input into developing, use of a positive
behaviour reward system, a seating plan if I feel its needed, and
behaviour plans for those who need it which will be created with the
principal/stage coordinator and the students parents.
As a teacher I will provide the students in my class with feedback, giving
them both positives and suggestions on things to be working towards. I
will also incorporate a range of diagnostic, formative and summative
assessments suitable for the stage I am teaching (APST 5). I believe that is
extremely important to engage in professional development (APST 6) and
keep up to date with any changes throughout my teaching. I aim to not be
afraid to try new ways of teaching/doing things and not become set in my
way. This will keep the students engaged and excited about their learning
and will also keep me motivated and excited as I grow and develop as a
teacher.
I also strongly believe that parents/carers play a huge role in their
childrens learning and development. I will provide experiences for
parents/carers to come and volunteer in the classroom and also keep in
regular contact with families through; class newsletters, emails, phone
calls, letters, meetings and at drop off and pick up times. I will also work
closely alongside other teachers especially those teaching on the same
stage level. I will make it my responsibility to build relationships with other
staff in the school and build a relationship with the wider school
community (APST 7).