Sandy's Educational Philosophy

As the proverb said, "Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I will eat for a lifetime."

My philosophy of education is a combination of three important factors.  First and foremost, I believe that all children can learn.  I also believe in constructivism and multiculturalism.   Each  of these factors is crucial in order for my students and me to be successful.

I believe, if given an appropriate environment, children will learn.  I strive to create a community of life-long learners through integrating student based learning, curriculum based learning and life experiences. 

My goals for creating a productive learning environment include being a democratic classroom manager, teaching conflict resolution strategies, fostering peer relationships, managing students' work and improving students' accountability.  Importance of planning and organizing instruction include: time and space allotments, students' attention spans, learning styles, and understanding the curriculum.    

 Students have different approaches to learning so planned activities will incorporate a variety of formats and strategies. Visual aids, art, and words will be used effectively, both orally and through the written word.   Challenging math problems, games, manipulatives, and experiments will be available.  Thoughts, ideas and individual work will be discussed and encouraged.

As a constructivist teacher, I promote a classroom learning environment where students engage, explore, explain, elaborate ideas while I evaluate for understanding of concepts.     

One example of constructivist teaching in my classroom occurs during math. Students are engaged with a specific problem.  They collaboratively and independently work out several solutions, while I am the facilitator. Open-ended questions are provided to assist them with the thinking process.  Different strategies are presented, which are unique to each individual.   Debate occurs during presentations and there are no "right" or "wrong" answers.  Students' presentations, vocabulary and strategies are used to teach the concept of the lesson.  As a result, students' solutions drive the lesson. 

Multicultural education should teach many lifestyles, languages, cultures, and points of view and positive feelings.  Each child should celebrate and value
people from other ethnic groups.  Histories and experiences of all people should be addressed in the curriculum.  It should help us embrace all the cultural and racial differences that make up families and communities.

In my classroom, multicultural contents is seen throughout the year, which includes many different cultural points of view. Activities highlight the similarities and differences of all children's lives. Literature is chosen that  reflects people who are trying, and have tried, to change circumstances in order to bring dignity to their lives.  Books I pick portray boys and girls from diverse cultures, from different socioeconomic levels, and with different occupations.  Selected materials give a visual sense of the variety of the world, which celebrate all kinds of stories and situations.

Following my classroom philosophical beliefs is a challenge.  Nevertheless, I try to stay focus on these three important goals when planning and executing my lessons.  It is hard work, which requires considerable time and energy for success.    

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Gateways School
Teaching and training a child has never been more challenging than it is today.  Today's "new" generation of children have a different set of needs, interests and values. Therefore, as educators, it is our responsibility to first understand the generation that we are teaching; and then put ourselves into a category alongside of the student that will foster and create opportunities educational, social and moral growth.

Gateways School is dedicated to teaching all students according to their learning styles and/or ability while challenging them to analyze, synthesize and evaluate the knowledge being gained in the academic environment.

Gateways School is designed to foster life long learners. We believe that life long learners are readers and become the leaders of tomorrow. We want our children to go beyond what is learned in a book. Therefore, classrooms need to be creative, stimulating, inviting learning environments that encourage children to learn to the best of their ability. We are also committed to developing self worth in all children and an appreciation for cultures. We encourage parental and staff involvement in all school activities.

A Visionary School 2007

The Ideal School

A Typical 2003 School

http://edfolio.fdu.edu/JosephS/currentschool

A Personal Philosophy for an Ideal School

Summary Version

http://edfolio.fdu.edu/JosephS/summary

Brief Version

http://edfolio.fdu.edu/JosephS/Brief

Comprehensive Version

http://edfolio.fdu.edu/JosephS/comprehensive

Personal Philosphy