Teaching Philosophy
I believe that the primary purposes of language are communication and self-expression. Language carries enormous importance because it allows for the reduction of misunderstanding, increases the potential for community, and provides form to the human experience. Fundamentally, language allows humans to connect. Because of this social characteristic, language learning should increase cultural awareness as well as an understanding of lexis and grammar.
I view teaching primarily as an act of service to students, co-workers, and administrators. It involves equipping students for success in their future aspirations while making their learning experience enjoyable and authentic. Good teaching is not the sterile process of transferring information. Instead, it involves the deeply human experiences of listening, explaining, correcting, and empathizing.
I also believe in the importance of contextualizing teaching. What is effective in some situations might be a poor fit for others. Teachers must maintain a degree of flexibility in order to most effectively meet the needs of diverse groups of students with varying learning styles and preferences. It is important for educators to consider each unique set of learners and adapt teaching as necessary to make it interesting and accessible.
My lessons follow a communicative approach that integrates the primary language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I believe it is important for students to participate in their learning through use of the target language. I encourage the use of learning strategies, as such strategies are a crucial part of students finding success after they leave my classroom to pursue their own goals. I try to personalize my teaching as much as possible to each group of students, using their names in examples and on assessments, and attempting to find supplemental materials that reflect their needs and interests.
I consider myself successful if students leave my classroom feeling respected and cared for as individuals, more confident in their abilities to learn independently, and with a strong grasp of course content.
I believe that the primary purposes of language are communication and self-expression. Language carries enormous importance because it allows for the reduction of misunderstanding, increases the potential for community, and provides form to the human experience. Fundamentally, language allows humans to connect. Because of this social characteristic, language learning should increase cultural awareness as well as an understanding of lexis and grammar.
I view teaching primarily as an act of service to students, co-workers, and administrators. It involves equipping students for success in their future aspirations while making their learning experience enjoyable and authentic. Good teaching is not the sterile process of transferring information. Instead, it involves the deeply human experiences of listening, explaining, correcting, and empathizing.
I also believe in the importance of contextualizing teaching. What is effective in some situations might be a poor fit for others. Teachers must maintain a degree of flexibility in order to most effectively meet the needs of diverse groups of students with varying learning styles and preferences. It is important for educators to consider each unique set of learners and adapt teaching as necessary to make it interesting and accessible.
My lessons follow a communicative approach that integrates the primary language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I believe it is important for students to participate in their learning through use of the target language. I encourage the use of learning strategies, as such strategies are a crucial part of students finding success after they leave my classroom to pursue their own goals. I try to personalize my teaching as much as possible to each group of students, using their names in examples and on assessments, and attempting to find supplemental materials that reflect their needs and interests.
I consider myself successful if students leave my classroom feeling respected and cared for as individuals, more confident in their abilities to learn independently, and with a strong grasp of course content.