I spent yesterday guiding my students through the process of developing their belief/philosophy statement on teaching. I participated alongside my students. To spend a significant block of time to reflect on my values and beliefs regarding education, teaching, and learning, was quite refreshing. I haven’t seriously reviewed my belief statement since I was student teaching. I was amazed and inspired by how much of my teaching practice was reflected in my belief statement. It makes sense though. As I write in my book:
An education philosophy statement is the bedrock of any master teacher; it encapsulates the principles and beliefs you bring to your teaching, creating the foundation to guide your teaching practices.
If you haven’t review your belief statement, then I encourage you to reflect and answer the following questions:
- What motivated you to go into teaching?
- What values and beliefs would an ideal teacher have?
- What are your beliefs about students, learning, behavior, respect, school systems, etc.?
- What changes would you like to see happen in our education system?
- What values do you want to model for the students inside and outside the classroom?
- Of your beliefs, which ones are non-negotiable?
Interestingly, one of my students proposed a longer school year for a change she would like to see happen. Then I asked the class if they would like a longer school year. Eyes began to shift. I reassured the students their responses would not leave this room. Nearly 75% of the students raised their hands in favor or a longer school year. Hmmmm…
If you are in the process of writing a belief / philosophy statement then read my post on Topics for Philosophy Statements, especially if you are have trouble writing one.
