Thoughts on Teaching: My Philosophy

I BELIEVE THAT....

² teaching is about joy, and about passion.
² the students are the reason we're there, and not the other way around.
² classrooms are Safe Zones, where students can be themselves without any fear of discrimination of any kind.
² ALL students can learn, even if they don't know it.
² children should be heard, as well as seen, and that expression in the classroom is vitally important.
² empathizing with students is as important as listening to them.
² students should be encouraged, but not forced, to participate in discussion.
² teachers should be available to students. Including before and after school hours.
² throwing more and more money at poor performing schools isn't necessarily the answer.
² good teachers teach regardless of whether or not they have the latest/fanciest resources.
² there are no "white students", "black students",  "oriental students", "rich students", or "poor students". There are only STUDENTS.
² if you got into teaching for the money, or the benefits, get out! You're not doing your students any good.
² students are in competition with themselves, not their classmates, and should be congratulated on their progress using that standard.
² no two students learn in exactly the same way.
² not all students will have the same passion for my subject that I do. And that's okay.
² students should be encouraged to ask "why" and "what if" during lessons and discussions.
² teachers should learn as much from students, as students do from teachers.
² parents should be encouraged to be as involved in the learning process as they can.
² a teacher should be an advocate for, and a mentor to his students.
² if you treat students as adults, and not children, you will have a better relationship with them than otherwise.
² just because the class is over, the learning process doesn't stop.
² people learn best when they feel comfortable doing so.
² communication, between students, and between student and teacher is essential for education.