Urban SEALS Doctoral Student

Having a teaching philosophy helps to define the expectations of the teacher and his/her students. I believe that the interaction between teaching and learning is an intricate one.  As a teacher, I see myself as a facilitator of learning.  I try to set the stage for learning to take place by creating an informal, stimulating and creative environment.  I have found that where there is interest and motivation without fear of condemnation there is most often learning taking place. I foster a democratic and open atmosphere in the classroom which is designed to respond as much as possible to the individual needs of the students. I attempt to make students constituents rather than simply recipients of their education. I view each student as an individual and honor different learning styles, abilities and frustrations with sensitivity and respect. The face of America’s classroom is changing and I have a responsibility to understand and celebrate the lives of everyone who enters my classroom.