Casta Garcia-Rosen

EDUG 778- Nature and Needs

Dr. Kosky
11/17/14
Philosophy of Teaching
It is important for educators to reflect on what type of teachers they want to
become. This is an important process for new teachers to experience as they learn to
manage a classroom. Teachers must take into account several factors when teaching
general and special education students: students disability, motivation in the classroom,
teaching style, how to assess students, classroom organization, classroom climate, and the
role of teacher.
From my experience as a substitute teacher and field observations I have seen
many types of students. These students range from intellectually disabled, autistic,
emotionally disturbed, and many who have learning disabilities and ADHD. I have
learned to appreciate the differences among students and seen teachers use effective and
non effective strategies in their classrooms that have influenced my views on what type
of teacher I want to become. The classroom placement will often determine what
approaches teachers need to apply. I really liked the integrated co-teaching model (ICT),
resource teaching, and Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS).
Teaching in a general education classroom is very different than a special
education classroom. Teaching special education classes can also vary depending on the
needs of the students. For example, students who are in a self-contained classroom are
different than those who are autistic or in an ICT class that consists of both general and
special education students. Each setting has its rewards and challenges. Teachers have to
consider many factors when prioritizing the needs of these students and this is very
difficult to do since the needs of students can often change with time. A this point in time
I prefer an ICT classroom, but would consider teaching in a 12:1:1 setting after I have
established some teaching experience.
Teachers have to motivate students to learn. I see the motivation component in my
future classroom to be student centered and rooted in progressivism, humanism, and
constructivism. These theories focus on motiving students innately and using incentives

that motivates students to want to learn. Presenting problems and using student-centered
activities that interest the students makes learning fun and exciting to students. The
teacher has to make sure that the content is appropriate to the curriculum and skill level.
Special education students have a range of curricular needs and its crucial that teachers
empower students to learn regardless of their limitations. I have seen teachers
successfully differentiate by providing individualized materials for students that help
them feel capable of learning.
In terms of teaching special education students I envision following a
constructivist approach where problem-based learning is student-centered on the students
interests and current events. This can also be applied to general education students. This
type of learning engages all students and challenges students to stay focused while
learning to reflect on their ideas and those of others. Students can explore different points
of views and learn from a diversity of subjects. With this student-centered educational
philosophy, learning is influenced by progressivism where learning consists of
experimentation and inquiry. I believe in promoting hands on experiments that promote
inquiry, challenges students to think critically, and teaches them to problem solve. In my
experience, I have seen students become more engaged when they feel they feel
connected to the text. I once taught students from a self contained classroom about
Guatemala by comparing customs. I asked them to share the things they enjoyed doing as
extracurricular activities and then we compared it to the kids from Guatemala. Students
were surprised when they learned that kids in the same age group have to work to help
their families financially and at that point they were eager to learn more. Learning how to
think about the world around them helps students acquire knowledge.
It is important for teachers to know what their style of teaching is as this has a
major impact on students learning. The style of teaching is something that can change
over time as teachers experience different groups of students and try to meet their special
needs. The style of teaching I feel is most appropriate for me is influenced by a classicist
and humanist approach. My instructional beliefs consist of having a well-rounded
curriculum that promotes the liberal arts and is rich in interesting content that makes
learning fun and engaging for both the teacher and the student.

I believe its important for students to go on field trips, have guest speakers, and
participate in experiments in order to enhance learning. Students learn through discovery
and need opportunities to participate in experiments where they can acquire knowledge. I
observed a first grade ICT class where the teacher created a science lesson and planted
flowers using yogurt containers. Students were required to decorate and take care of their
plants. This was an excellent way for students to be involved in the learning process
while feeling confident in their ability to participate.
Assessing students is also an important part of teaching and it helps determine the
students progress and how well they apply the knowledge they learned. Through the use
of quizzes, tests, essays, presentations, group and individual projects teachers can
determine what students learned. Teachers can analyze if students are learning, what
areas need review, what services are needed, and students strengths and weaknesses. I
also feel that it is important for teachers to help students cope with the stress of testing
and assessments. The teacher needs to empower their students and emphasize that while
performance and assessments can be stressful, it is something that should not be feared.
Classroom organization is a factor that also impacts student learning. The
classroom should be organized and flexible. Students need to understand that everything
has a place. I believe in providing students with stability and structure. Structure helps
creates a classroom environment conducive to learning. Having routines is necessary as it
promotes a positive learning environment and supports student learning. All transitions in
the classroom must have a set of expectations, rules for lining up for lunch, morning
routine, going to the bathroom, end of day routine, and any other classroom routine that
guides students of what the expectation are will keep them more focused and decreases
confusion.
Classroom organization also requires that students have spaces or stations where
they can focus on specific content such as a reading corner or a math corner. This helps
students to feel comfortable and makes the process of learning more enjoyable.
Displaying student work is something I have observed as having a positive effect on class
participation and helps students feel more confident when they see their own progress.
It is also important to teach students that you have to be flexible and make changes when
necessary. For example, if seating assignments create problems in the classroom, I would

change their seats. Changes in the classroom would be a teacher-student process where
students depending on the grade level and cognitive ability can have some input on
classroom changes.
The classroom climate has a big influence on students academic performance and
also needs to be student centered. As a new teacher I believe that the student is a priority
and needs to feel important and included. I have seen students respond positively to
teachers who treat them with respect and consideration. This promotes a caring
environment where students feel respected and become more conscious of how they treat
each other. This works well in ICT classrooms where there is a range of awareness
among students and they can hold each other accountable. In lower functioning special
educations classrooms it would be difficult to expect autistic children to understand
respect. However, they do understand when someone treats them nicely. They are
sensitive to noise and yelling at them is counterproductive.
The role of both the general and the special education teacher is crucial to the
students academic performance. As a new teacher I hope be a positive role model for
students. The way the teacher manages a classroom and interacts with students has a
major impact on how well students perform academically and socially. My leadership
style promotes structure and rules, values student input when it is valid and significant.
Teachers are influential and have the power to guide their students to strive and do their
best. The role of the teacher is more than teaching content. It consists of being a mentor, a
role model they can depend on, and even a parental figure that offers support when they
might not have stability at home.