Miss Ferrara’s
Philosophy of Education

I believe that children of all backgrounds deserve the same experience, availability of resources, and opportunities to learn from talented, motivated and compassionate teachers. Every child should have a teacher believe in them, support them, and encourage them to be the best they can be. Teachers must be committed to each student and their learning.

Having a classroom full of bright colors, an inviting child center, cooperative group learning, and a “hands-on/minds-on” approach will facilitate learning in a positive and successful environment.   It is also important to acknowledge students progress and reward them for their success. This not only helps boost self-esteem and confidence, but it helps raise their motivation to learn.

In addition to any educational philosophies, there are four important attributes to effectively teach children.  First, a teacher needs to have self-knowledge of who they are and the role model they want to be for their students.  Secondly, they need to have thorough knowledge of the subject matter they are teaching.  Third, they need to understand the students, their interests and their personalities.  Finally, a teacher must know what teaching skills, techniques, and classroom management works best for them. Having these four qualities, a teacher can be more effective and increase the opportunity for success in their classroom.

Technology in the classrooms can be an instrumental and effective tool for teaching students and gaining their attention. Technology has its place in the classroom to enhance lessons and activities, however that it should not overshadow traditional teaching, especially on the elementary level.  I plan to use technology as an exciting way to enhance the learning experience.  Just the same, there is still something to be said for sitting down with your students and reading them a book aloud.

It is important for a teacher to understand that not all students have the same learning styles. A good teacher should make every effort to reach students by varying and incorporating different styles of presenting information.  While this is not to say that a teacher should be able to accommodate all styles, in all occasions, and to all students, it is good to be aware of the dynamics of learners in a classroom and work to reach all students throughout a lesson.

Finally, education should be fun – for the student, for the teacher and for the parents.  By incorporating my educational philosophy in an enjoyable and exciting manner, the desire to learn will be enhanced.  It is my goal this will last a lifetime.