And that's my new Philosophy... of Teaching. I never thought that I would be an educator. No, really. I wasn’t a very good student and I saw school as a social function rather than an educational institution. (I hate that word - institution). Add this to my social anxiety and you would never have believed I would become an educator either. Yet, here I am. And although my anxiety hasn’t gone away, I’ve learned to manage it, and I have learned that I love theatre education.
Perhaps because of my past experiences in education, I don’t view the classroom the same as I did as a student. I focus on active learning, providing opportunities for students to safely explore and make discoveries themselves. I work hard to be a facilitator of learning rather than a teacher, and strive to make a learning environment that we may all learn from each other, not just curriculum, but as humans with different experiences and viewpoints.
I am always looking for new ways to engage my students, from design projects with found objects to creating 360 virtual tours with embedded lessons, engagement is key, and I believe in a learning environment full of opportunities and challenges.
Teaching primarily in a Title 1 public high school in Illinois, my wonderful, brilliant students have taught me about different cultures, experiences and viewpoints. Learning about how we fit in this world and learning to see issues from another’s point of view is perhaps the most important lesson we can learn in school. We grow together every day.
My approach to assessment is different from many of my peers. Although I use standardized assessments on occasion for certain units, I try to avoid them in our typical learning process. Instead I seek out real-life assessments which students can use to show their understanding of a skill or concept. In addition, I will often create multiple assessments so students may choose their means of showing their understanding. This type of assessment not only encourages engagement, but also is a more practical means of communicating knowledge/skills gained.
I also acknowledge the white-centered education I have received. I acknowledge the lens in which I view the world and encourage and actively work to explore other's experiences, other's viewpoints and create an educational environment of collaboration where there is room for everyone.