Frame of Reference
I believe that to learn is to strive for discovery, to push oneself beyond daily tedium, and to reach for new horizons. The teaching principles that guide my work can be aptly represented by the acronym R.E.A.C.H.
Respect
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My favorite teachers were always those that made me feel like someone worth listening to. Of course, teachers and students adopt different roles within the classroom and they bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. However, I believe that in spite of these differences, and in fact because of them, every student deserves an open mind and fair relationship. I apply this ideology beyond the classroom and hope to encourage students to do the same by demonstrating its practice.
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Empathy
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As a student, I struggled in my senior physics classes, but I was too embarrassed to admit it. I remember feeling so ashamed that the others in the class seemed to grasp the concepts so effortlessly and that I needed to work extra hard just to understand the basics. Fortunately, my teacher was sensitive and had a keen intuition. She would notice when I was struggling and would always find ways to help without me having to ask. To me, education is a dialogue. It is critical that a teacher finds the right moments between speaking to look, listen, and understand the inner workings of their students.
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Autonomy
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Students must own their education. Their learning is a journey, and they will be restricted in their development until they understand that they are the captains of their own voyage. To that end, I strive to establish a classroom that offers choice and alternative means in pursuing a learning objective. My students will feel the freedom to learn in a way that best suits them, and demonstrates their learning through assessment that feels natural and individualistic.
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Connection
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I remember as a student that the classes I learned most in were the ones I felt most connected with the teacher. By connecting with students, a teacher shows that they care and that they ultimately have the student's best interest at heart. Learning who the students are both in and out of the classroom gives the teacher invaluable insight into how best to educate each individual. When a student feels connected with a teacher, they can work together as an effective team as opposed to being disengaged and uncooperative.
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Honesty
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A teacher's purpose is to educate: not only in academics but, I believe, in ethics as well. Today, students are expected to learn personal and social responsibility, and it is crucial that a teacher promotes these precepts by engaging honestly with their students. I believe in creating a safe environment within the classroom that encourages students to speak openly and honestly about their feelings and ideals. It is only through open and honest interaction that students may grow emotionally and develop personal and social awareness.
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