Stormy Knaak

Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, I am fostering individualism through the art of teaching. My students are unique
in character and are a growing combination of their experiences, fears, achievements, families,
friends, and interests. Because of the complexity of human nature, learning is ever-changing. In
order to reach out to my students, I am flexible in my teaching; I accommodate all the various
learning styles and the unique set of abilities and interests in my classroom.

I am an English and Theatre Arts Educator. These two art forms work together in cultivating
knowledge through individuality, expression, and openness. Both English and Theatre Arts are
not limited by a formula or a correct response, but rather expanded by the horizons of personal
freedom and interpretation.

Teaching should be:

Personal

Every student in every class has a unique array of interests, passions, talents, and
strengths to offer. I foster my student’s specific strengths while meanwhile
identifying and stimulating their weaknesses.

Engaging

The art of theatre is a hands-on, attentive, collaborative art as well as an effective

form of learning. I engage my students with hands-on activities, and as a result
they are more attentive to their learning and more willing to try new things.

Accessible

All students have the right to learn, and all students have the right to showcase
their intellect. I have a responsibility to vary my pedagogical approaches in order
to reach all types of students and allow them access to knowledge.

Teachers are guides who lead students to a greater understanding both in and beyond the
classroom. Because every student is different and learns in unique ways, individualized learning
is the key to effective teaching.