Amy Shinn
I am a: Reading Teacher, Central Elementary School | 2018 Teacher of the Year Nominee
Providing a quality education to all students is at the root of my teaching philosophy. That includes incorporating different learning styles, creating a learning environment with high expectations for all students, and providing a safe environment for students to share ideas, take risks, and to grow as scholars.
A quality education includes student engagement in meaningful, collaborative learning. Providing students with learning opportunities that build upon their interests and strengths while explicitly modeling learning expectations is imperative. Along with an explicitly modeled teacher example, students should have opportunities for active engagement with teacher support. It is critical to offer specific and immediate feedback to all students for optimum learning.
I value the uniqueness of student learning styles. Students should be supported as they strive to reach higher levels of thinking. My teaching philosophy has changed as I have matured as a teacher and become a parent to three different learners. As a novice teacher, I believed my students should sit and listen. If I taught the curriculum correctly, they would eventually “get it”. I have learned the value of differentiated instruction. Many students, like my sons prefer a hands-on approach to learning. Classrooms are not quiet. They should be filled with conversation and movement. Students deserve the opportunity for advanced learning regardless of their background. Learning should never discriminate.
There is a level of trust between the teacher and students in a quality classroom which comes from cultivating relationships. I make a point to get to know my students’ interests and learn about their experiences because it motivates them to work hard when they know I truly care. I share my own interests and experiences with my students so they get to know me, too. Lastly, having a sense of humor makes the day fun. Learning should always be enjoyable. It is my ultimate goal to nurture a love of learning so that my students will grow to be lifelong learners.
