Teaching Philosophy

The Teaching Philosophy Project is completed at the end of the year. SEA students write a teaching philosophy and then compose a handmade book of art corresponding with their philosophy. Here is a PDF of my written philosophy.

I will do my best to connect with all my students, though I am aware that I will not always succeed. Some students don’t want to seek out a connection, and I have to be okay with that and not force it.

I will be a safe space for all students to get support with any problem. However, I will also know my limits, and will direct students to guidance counselors or other adults as necessary. I am not equipped to handle every issue, and I cannot bite off more than I can chew.

While I wish to be a safe space for all students, I know that I will especially try to be a safe space for my Jewish students. We are usually the minority in public school, and I will do my best to support my students in these tumultuous times.

I will be aware that a student’s writing ability will not always be perfect. It will change as they grow, and this is especially true for their writing ability throughout high school. While I will maintain reasonable expectations for high school students, I will also be aware of the writing ability that is expected for a student at that age. The names on these pages are all names of characters that I have created from sixth grade to twelfth grade (not in chronological order), showing the change in my writing ability.

I will always do my best to make my classroom accessible for ELL students, including providing copies of assignments in whatever language the student might need.

I will be culturally sensitive to the best of my ability and will always be open to growth and change. I will explore diverse voices within my classroom and offer students a wide range of perspectives to read about.

I will honor every student’s IEP or special needs no matter what those accommodations might be, and I will never deny a student their right to an accommodation.