Teaching Philosophy
By Melanie Hosbach Sesi
As a teacher of the various social sciences, I believe I have a responsibility to shape the future of American citizenry. I believe that quality is more important that quantity, especially when it comes to social studies and history classes. History, in particular, is much more than just a list of names and dates. It is not about memorizing facts; it is about understanding events, concepts, and ideas. Social studies education is about making connections between what is learned in the classroom and what is going on in the world. Making real world connections is a great way for students to understand various concepts.
Being a teacher is not solely about teaching specific subject matter to students; it is about creating lifelong learners. Aside from teaching my students social studies content, I hope to teach them life skills and lessons as well. I want to be able to teach kids what to do when they do not know what to do.
I believe it is essential to create a comfortable, safe, purposeful, and productive learning environment in my classroom. Making personal connections with students helps create a mutual respect. This mutual respect helps to effectively contribute to the learning environment. I believe it is key to know more about a student than just his or her name or face. Knowing my students helps me to connect with them on a higher level and understand them not just as learners but also human beings. Taking the time to know and understand students on this higher level helps contribute to the mutual respect I desire in my classroom.
As a teacher, one thing that I believe is important to remember is that every day is a new day. Students’ behavior can change on a daily basis. A difficult student one day can be helpful and attentive the next. One bad day is just that, one day. Tomorrow is a new day to move on and make adjustments where necessary.
Being a teacher is not solely about teaching specific subject matter to students; it is about creating lifelong learners. Aside from teaching my students social studies content, I hope to teach them life skills and lessons as well. I want to be able to teach kids what to do when they do not know what to do.
I believe it is essential to create a comfortable, safe, purposeful, and productive learning environment in my classroom. Making personal connections with students helps create a mutual respect. This mutual respect helps to effectively contribute to the learning environment. I believe it is key to know more about a student than just his or her name or face. Knowing my students helps me to connect with them on a higher level and understand them not just as learners but also human beings. Taking the time to know and understand students on this higher level helps contribute to the mutual respect I desire in my classroom.
As a teacher, one thing that I believe is important to remember is that every day is a new day. Students’ behavior can change on a daily basis. A difficult student one day can be helpful and attentive the next. One bad day is just that, one day. Tomorrow is a new day to move on and make adjustments where necessary.
I Have a Dream, Too
A few years ago, I discovered a way to connect events of the Civil Rights Movement, a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr Day, and a reflection into students' own future goals with an assignment called "I Have a Dream, Too." To model this assignment, I wrote my own version about my dream for the future of education (see below). Though this started as an example for a lesson plan, it became an embodiment of my teaching philosophy.
I Have A Dream, Too
By Melanie Hosbach Sesi
I have a dream that one day this nation will support an educational system where all students truly can succeed.
I have a dream that one day all students will be given the tools to learn, without the worry of where the money will come from.
I have a dream that one day the color of your skin, the money in your parents’ bank account, or the city in which you live will not dictate your educational destiny…that all school districts will provide the same opportunities for our children.
I have a dream that equal funding will be provided for all students regardless of test scores or other inconsistent performance indicators.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that some day society will understand the needs and struggles of our children…that those who struggle in certain areas can achieve in others.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day education will be valued by all as the key to a child’s future. Education is not just about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Education means preparing one for a future of his or her choosing. Children should be able to choose the path they want to take, and study what they want to study.
This is my hope and faith. With this faith we will be able to teach our children that no matter what hardships they face, they truly can have or be anything they want.
This will be a day when ALL children WILL achieve.