My core values as a person are one that is rooted in kindness and compassion. I have experienced what that can do for a person. Throughout my life, I have had amazing teachers who truly cared about my well-being, regardless of academics. Teachers who genuinely wanted to get to know me on a personal level and approached teaching with a gentle, kind demeanor. Looking back, these are the moments in school where I truly felt seen and heard. As a future educator, I reflect back on these important examples; the good and the bad, which has shaped me into the kind of educator and person that I want to be for my students.
With these ideals in mind, I resonate best with the philosophical orientation of Progressivism. School should be a positive place and a journey for students to learn more about themselves, their likes and dislikes. I see the importance of focusing on the needs and concerns of the student which then gives them the chance to excel and understand the curriculum on a much deeper level. With this, a big factor in my own philosophy is the idea of collaboration, in and outside of the classroom. In Becoming A Teacher, Parkay states that “Progressive teachers begin with where students are and through the daily give-and-take of the classroom, lead students to see that the subject to be learned can enhance their lives.” (Parkay, 2010, p. 121) Through implementing relevant events, issues and topics within my curriculum, I hope that students take away an experience or moment with each lesson, academic or not. In Progressivism, a teacher is seen as a “guide or resource person whose primary responsibility is to facilitate student learning.” (Parkay, 2010, p. 121) I see myself more as a facilitator than an authoritative figure. I favor working through problems together as a team and building relationships with each student; allowing them to learn experiences that are shared within the classroom. I am committed to seeing my students grow not just academically but more importantly as a person; “giving students a considerable amount of freedom in determining their school experiences.” (Parkay, 2010, p. 121) I plan to emulate this by harboring an environment built on respect, outwardly portraying a mindset that they are capable of succeeding, and that mistakes are not frowned upon. Something as simple as reaching students on a personal, human level allows them to know that I am on their side. Another philosophical orientation that I resonate with is Feminist Pedagogy, which falls under the umbrella of Social Reconstructionism. This pedagogy is aimed towards creating “caring communities of engaged learners who respect differences and work collaboratively.” (Parkay, 2010, p. 127) A leading advocate for this pedagogy is bell hooks who brings up important points that I connect deeply with. In Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom, hooks states that one “must genuinely value everyone’s presence… and an ongoing recognition that everyone influences the classroom dynamic, that everyone contributes.” (hooks, 1994, p. 8) I wholeheartedly agree on transforming the classroom into a space where students can feel comfortable in their own skin and “a place of liberating mutuality where teacher and student together work in partnership.” (hooks, 1994, p. 11)
All people have biases; everyone has judgements, choices and attitudes that have been formed within us. Refusal to talk about these issues not only reinforces the implicit biases one has but also denies the reality of varying cultures, gender, race/ethnicity. I plan to minimize my own implicit biases by understanding and being aware of my thoughts. I hope to continue nurturing this mindset that differences are not weaknesses but strengths that can promote achievement and self-esteem. To harvest a positive, caring environment; I will practice what I preach and set an example for my students through the use of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. This pedagogy aligns with the ideas of Progressivism as it “recognizes the importance of racial and cultural diversity in learning by seeing cultural differences as assets; where culturally different individuals and heritages are valued.” (Gay, 2010, p. 31) All individuals are capable to learn and how their own personal background can be used to uplift oneself and others. To be able to succeed together is the most rewarding and I want students to feel this for themselves.