TJ Winn

Teaching Philosophy and Beliefs

 

 

The teacher is a knowledge activator, facilitator, guide, and coordinator; not a dispenser of knowledge.

 

It is my belief that teachers must show high efficacy towards all students and facilitate students’ learning paths. The teacher should help guide students to learning and learning how to learn rather than dictate or preach. Furthermore, teachers should attempt to guide students in a way that is interesting, engaging, and practical.  Finally, students should learn to ask questions and then be guided to the answers; once this process is mastered their learning will never cease.

 

Students should be actively engaged as much as possible.

 

It is my belief that students should study what interests them in a way that is stimulating. They should be able to participate in classes, projects, and sports, in a way that enables their learning while remaining valuable to them. Students should also have the opportunity to study what interests them first and then relate that interest to the principle being taught.

 

Students should be able to confront real life problems and choices.

 

It is my belief that meaningful learning will occur when students are allowed to confront real problems, make choices, and find solutions. This will also aid students to develop the ability to think critically as well as integrate and apply the ideas. This, in turn, will allow students to develop practical life skills that they will be able to use indefinitely.

 

Public education is an investment in our future and should be treated as such.

 

It is my belief that everyone has the ability to learn and is entitled to do so. I further believe that students will learn regardless and thus must be treated as a potential learner is all scenarios. It is vital that teachers are aware of the role model they are, and remember to always be the person that they would like their students to emulate.

 

All students deserve a safe and caring learning environment.

 

It is my belief that the classroom should boast an inclusive and safe atmosphere for all students no matter what their personal background. I further believe the classroom should always strive for a positive learning environment and be free from discrimination and coercion. Finally, if prospective teachers are to learn how to help their students learn, they must be immersed in the same learning experiences that their students will encounter.