Educational Philosophy

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Part II: Teaching Standards

Education is not a luxury it is a necessity. This being true, teaching is a profession that must be upheld with the highest regard. In becoming a high school teacher I want to prepare my students for the world that is ever changing. In doing so, I will follow a rigorous set of standards set forth by the State of Ohio. The Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession contain seven sets of standards that range from instruction and content, to the way teachers collaborate and communicate with their students and community in order to support student learning (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). These standards hold teachers accountable to upholding their duties of providing an exceptional education to their students. By following these seven standards I will not only excel as a teacher, my students will too.

When students are able to access great teachers it not only benefits them, but their school and community as well. Students who see school as boring and pointless might not have the support and encouragement from their teachers like they should. By having an exceptional teacher and leader, students will be able to learn more effectively in a lively and exciting way. Students also will be more eager to come to school everyday and learn new facts and ideas and they will thrive on their educational experience. This is why I want to become a teacher. I want to make sure my students have every opportunity afforded to them in a way that best fits their needs.

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To gain insight on different teaching styles and standards, I observed two different charter schools. One of these schools was an elementary school, while the other was a high school. These schools differed in many ways especially in their learning environments. During these visits I was looking at how the teachers and students interacted. I wanted to see how different teaching styles were accepted or rejected by the students. I was able to position myself from student to teacher and then back to student to grasp all the different perspectives of the events that occurred at these schools. The observation visits helped to direct me in many ways to the teacher that I want to be and the teacher I think my students will want to have. I will carry these experiences with me far into my teaching career.

Field Observations. My first observation was at an elementary school. Never before having been in a charter school this experience went very well. My first teacher I observed had the upmost respect for Standard 5: Teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning and achievement for all students (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). This classroom was filled with warm and inviting colors. The room felt like a little piece of home, and the vibe I felt upon entering the room was relaxing and comforting. It was filled with posters about leadership and responsibility, along with various plants spread across the room. There was also a large rug located by a projector where the students went to discuss a homework assignment. Both the students and the teacher sat on the rug to go over their paper (Field

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Notebook, September 23, 2013, p.2). This type of interaction struck me in a way that showed me the teacher was willing to get down to the students level and make them feel comfortable going over their own work. This type of interaction reminded me of the Summerhill Concept where the learning environment builds self-confidence.

The next classroom I observed was also at this elementary school; it was a fifth grade language arts class. This visit was far different than the first one. I was actually frightened by the fact that the teacher had no control of his students. I could see the teacher had a great understanding on Standard 2: Teachers know and understand the content area for which they have instructional responsibility (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). The teacher was able to answer student's questions thoroughly and accurately. However, this was hindered by the fact that his classroom was run like a circus. Students were passing notes, throwing pencils, and laughing at each other (Field Notebook, September 24, 2013, p 3) The teacher repeatedly told the students to straighten up or he promised a color change which was a form of punishment, unfortunately the teacher did not follow through with his promises. This visit opened my eyes to realize that its not okay to only know your content area, you must be able to effectively deliver that knowledge without continuous disruptions and no type of reinforcement.

At the high school I witnessed many of the standards in action. This teacher was a all around exceptional individual. If I must choose one standard

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that stuck out the most to me it would be Standard 4: Teachers plan and deliver effective instruction that advances the learning of each individual student (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). Students engaged in a fishbowl activity where they conformed into a circle and had a discussion. Each student was required to discuss three main points about what they had learned and reflect upon it with their peers (Field Notebook, October 8, 2013, p.3). What i thought was interesting was the teaching said he would give three points as well. He then started off the discussion because some students seemed uneasy but in no time students were answering each others question and giving their own thoughts and feelings about the material being discussed. This higher-level thinking promoted personal development in each of the students. This was a great way for the students to learn from one another as well as the teacher mediate and be involved in the process.

My Emerging Philosophy. Ever since I was a young child I wanted to become a teacher. I often had dreams of taking my students on field trips and I often thought about how I would run my classroom. Teaching to me is about inspiration and growth. I want to inspire young individuals and promote self-growth over my career. I wish to excite my students and show them the importance of education through a comforting and scholarly fashion. I believe when you set high standards for yourself and your students you both will be able to succeed in ways that you would not even know were possible. An atmosphere of intelligence, respect, and encouragement is the way I see my educational

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philosophy.

As all the standards are important for teachers to follow there are two that