Teaching Philosophy
I can remember back to when I took my first and last steps through my high school doors. When I entered in 2009, I was a student lost in the crowd just trying to fit in, keep my head down and make an impact where I could. I fell in love with high school sports, with the social studies and biology areas and with leadership class. Over the next few years until graduation I thrived and broke out of my shell and became a student I can look back upon and be really proud of and I partially credit the individual I have grown and become today to my high school teachers who not only taught me valuable knowledge, but concrete life lessons.
When I graduated high school and left in 2012, I knew that I never wanted to leave school; I wanted to become a teacher and have an impact on students' lives similar to what my teachers' impact was on me.
A lot of individuals over the years have asked the what's, why's, how's, etc. of what made me choose the career of teaching. It is simple and cliche but the truth is I have a passion of leading individuals down successful pathways.
The definition of success is "The accomplishment of an aim or purpose."
My definition of success as a teacher is not just helping my students' get through their homework assignments, tests and graduation requirements, but to help my students' explore their ideas of success and to help them lock down their passions that will create a timeline of milestones. School is not for everyone and we know and accept that, but if there are ways in which my classroom can help a student with opportunities to get to know themselves and dive in to what makes them click then that is success to me. Whatever and whenever my students require my help in areas of school, in the classroom, outside the classroom and in life I will be there every mile of the way in their high school road trip.
Teaching to me is not a concept, it is a indescribable feeling of watching a students' face light up when they finally understand something or when they are thoroughly enjoying their time at school. Whether that is in science, math, physical education, the trades, information technology, drama, art, etc. as long as I can aid students' to find their own successes along the way, then I can retire with a victorious career knowing I helped students' find their purpose.
What I Stand For
I am a strong advocate of anti-bullying awareness. As a personal victim of bullying I 100% understand the extent to its detrimental effects. As a future educator, one of my main priorities is to spread awareness and be a supporter of my students who are sadly targeted by bullying.
There is a 0 tolerance for bullying in my classroom and in the spaces where I am present.
Join the movement!
http://www.erasebullying.ca/index.php
Most Likely To Succeed Documentary
MLTS Documentary Synopsis
The documentary, Most Likely to Succeed is described below:
The current educational system in the United States was developed a century ago during the rise of the industrial age and was once the envy of the world. However, the world economy has since transformed profoundly, but the US education system has not. Schools are attempting to teach and test skills, when mastered, that still leave graduates woefully unprepared for the 21st Century. After presenting this problem, the documentary focuses on the story of a school in San Diego that is completely rethinking what the experience of going to school looks like. As we follow students, parents and teachers through a truly unorthodox school experience, the audience is forced to consider what sort of educational environment is most likely to succeed in the 21st century?
I highly suggest watching this documentary - it is inspiring and this is what we need to start to promote in our 21st century schools and classrooms.
Coaching Experiences
Every Student Deserves To Have Someone In Their Corner
Inspired
The first time I watched Rita Pierson's TED Talk I felt tears welling up. Her words are so inspiring and I want to embody what she represents as an empowering educator. Throughout Rita Pierson's TED Talk, one of her quotes stood out the most that will forever stay with me: "Every child deserves a champion. An adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be. We are educators, we are born to make a difference."
Career-Long Learning
I Am Committed
All of these elements on this page embody what I want to be as a future educator. Rita Pierson's TED Talk, Shirley Clements contagious energy and compassion for her students, being a anti-bullying and cyberbullying advocate, coaching youth basketball, watching the Most Likely to Succeed documentary and my teaching philosophy show just how committed I am to always value and care for students and act in their best interests.
Through my membership in P.E.S.A. and coaching experiences, I have developed qualities and contributed to the professional development in my community.
Everyday is a learning and growing moment and I reflect back on what I have accomplished so far in my four years of University. I am proud to say that I have and will continue to pursue career long learning by engaging in activities that are outside of my comfort zone and continue to develop my ability to be an effective educator.
Member of Physical Education Student Association (P.E.S.A)
As a member of P.E.S.A, our duties represent the teaching standard of commitment by "Contributing to the profession through activities, such as promoting professional development in their communities."
Throughout the school year at the University of Victoria, P.E.S.A is a student council comprised of members from the Physical Education, Kinesiology and Recreation Education faculties. Our job is to come together and organize community events for our peers to engage and bond with one another, make new connections and friendships and promote relaxing and enjoyable activities to allow students to escape from everyday school stresses. One event we hosted this year was the 1st Annual EPHE'n Sports Day where over a weekend we had open gym time for students to come and play pickup basketball and volleyball games.
It is especially a fantastic way for the Physical Education department (which I am apart of) to come together as we invite staff and Phys Ed. students to connect and not only enjoy the activity at hand, but allows for further discussion in terms of continuing to promote professional development and career-long learning.