Personal Connection
I get to work with children in a variety of settings- at summer camp, during the school day, and after school. A common theme I've found in all of these experiences is the value of personal connection. Whenever I enter a new classroom or meet a new group of campers for the first time, my goal is to establish a meaningful relationship with each kid. These connections foster a mutual respect and understanding. I find that I have better control over a group of students or campers when we have bonded. In my future classroom, I want to take the time to get to know each student so that I can help them succeed in a way that works for them. I can be the smartest, most professionally trained teacher in the world, but if I fail to make those connections, my students will fail to learn. They must feel that I value them if they are to find value in the material.
Technological innovation
Technology is an excellent way to engage students and enhance learning in the classroom. In chemistry, technology can demonstrate molecular-level concepts that might not otherwise be understood and revolutionize laboratory experiments. My future students will be digital natives, so it is important that I do my best to find valuable uses for the technology they have grown up with. As as teacher, I want to be flexible and open to using the various technological resources available to me.
Growth mindset
I believe that when given the proper tools and support, all students have the potential to succeed. I don't want my students to fear failure so much that it prevents them from learning for the sake of learning. I will do my best to foster a classroom environment that emphasizes personal growth rather than competition. I will help my students learn from, rather than dwell on, their failures.
Inquiry
In my own educational experiences, I've found academic success when my teachers used inquiry-based learning that allowed me to construct knowledge on my own. Additionally, these techniques allowed me to work with my classmates and talk through ideas, gaining knowledge from them along the way. I plan to employ similar methods in my future classroom, especially because such lessons can help students connect science to the real world. I want students to do more than just listen to lectures and take notes. I want them to be excited about coming to my class because they get to do engaging, exciting activities that emphasize the importance of science.
Appreciation of science
I believe science is for all students- no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or other demographic background. Unfortunately, the science curriculum isn't the best at pulling in all types of students, so I will bridge that gap on my own. I will find resources and create lessons that engage students with the material and show the real life value in what they're learning.
Collaboration
I see the value of collaboration- with my colleagues and among my future students. Personally, I learn best when I see a skill or behavior modeled by someone else. I can then adapt those skills to fit my own needs. It will be important for me to communicate with my fellow teachers to ensure we are giving our students the best possible education. I also want utilize group work in my classroom to teach students how to work together because collaboration is a skill they will carry throughout the rest of their lives.