To Whom It May Concern: 

 

Education is an ever-changing and evolving field. Just as the field itself changes the people teaching and the students in the classroom change as well. So as I write this now, I know as soon as I step foot into my classroom I will think one way and want to teach one way, but as soon as those students are in my classroom this theory itself will change and evolve. Students and teachers come from diverse backgrounds, as teachers, we must remember this as our students come into our schools and classrooms. 

 

My classroom will be guided by six main aspects; multiple intelligences, technology, real-world experiences, hands-on - minds-on, Inquiry-based, and whole-child teaching. 

 

Multiple Intelligences

• Varying instructions allows for greater learning for students

• Students learn in different ways – teaching to multiple intelligences will allow students to learn the best way for them

 

Technology

• Students live in a digital world

• Students have an interest in technology and gamification will be used to tap into their interest

• Students have tons of information at their fingertips – utilize this advantage and teach them how to find quality information

 

Real-World Experiences

• Students like to know how content is applicable

• Students should be prepared for the real world

• Authentic learning happens when teaching real-world experiences

 

Hands-on – Minds-On

• Deeper learning happens with active learning

• Students are highly engaged and need to be engaged to gain content

• Critical thinking skills are developed through active learning

 

Inquiry-Based Learning

• Promotes a deeper understanding of content

• Opportunity for differentiated instruction

• Content is cross-curricular

 

Whole-Child Teaching

• ­According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs students need a safe environment to be able to learn

• Prepares students for the future 

 

Although this way of learning focuses more on the process of learning, assessment is instrumental. Assessment in the classroom will focus on student growth and the ability to apply skills. Students will work on self-assessment, peer assessment, as well as being assessed by the teacher. Specific assessment will depend on the content area, but I hope to instill in my students that it is not about how many questions they get right or wrong, but about how they improve between assessment. Did they grow and learn from their mistakes, or did they give up and have no change? 

I hope to instill in my students a love for learning and the ability to see their growth and help their peers grow through an active learning environment focused on student interest while teaching the whole child. Over the course of my teaching, I hope to use research-based education methods and learn and grow as my students learn and grow. 

I hope students leave my classroom feeling accomplished and cared about. I hope to learn just as much from the students in my class as they learn from being in my room. 

 

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

 

 

 

Hannah E. James