The relationship between student and teacher is complex and multidimensional, but above all one that needs to be nurtured. I believe that if we plant the seeds of respect, understanding and trust early in the student teacher relationship we can help students achieve their academic goals, but also help them grow into better versions of themselves. My goal is to create an open and welcoming student-centered learning environment in which all students receive the support and care that they need to learn and grow. I see each student I work with as an individual with unique needs that need to be met and have adopted a trauma informed practice to ensure that the learning environment is a safe space for all students. My role as a teacher is to supply students with everything they need to succeed, but I believe that achieving success is up to the student. I encourage student autonomy and believe that students should take responsibility for their learning.
As someone who values relationships, I believe that it is my job to form strong professional relationships with students to better understand their goals and how to help them reach those goals. I believe that people learn in a variety of ways and that different learning styles need to be incorporated into the framework of the curriculum. By getting to know my students as individuals, I can design lessons that are tailored to their goals and learning styles. In my classes different activity types are used to accommodate for the four different types of learning; visual, auditory, kinesthetic and reading/writing. However, I believe that all learner types learn best when the material is relevant and engaging. Keeping this in mind, my classes are designed around topics and themes that the students want to learn about. I do this by surveying students to assess their interests, or by letting them pick discussion topics and materials. Collaboration and working as a team are valuable skill that will help students as they move on to other academic studies, professional careers and in their interpersonal relationships. Knowing this, I incorporate group work into most of my classes. Success can be measured in several different ways. Where possible I like to measure success based on personal growth rather than using comparisons between students.
I want to help students advance their English language skills, but also want to help them gain life skills that will be useful to them outside of the classroom. My primary goal for students is to help them achieve their academic goals, while helping them learn about the world around them and become global citizens. I hope that after partaking in one of my classes that students gain self-confidence and self-awareness. Through positive reinforcement and encouraging expression of unique thoughts I hope that I can help students develop a growth mindset and critical thinking skills.
I continue to grow as a teacher by viewing each teaching experience as an opportunity for growth. I believe that I can learn just as much from my students as they can learn from me. For me, learning is a lifelong pursuit and I am excited to continue this journey and grow with my students.