Portfolio Components – Mr. Forster's Portfolio

Values and Goals:

I wrote this document two years ago. Although two years have passed, it still seems to be a good statement of what I believe about education and why I am holding these beliefs.

Philosophy of Education, Zachary Forster, 17 11 22:

When educating children, it is important for a teacher to have determined passionately held beliefs with regard to teaching and learning. This is most effectively achieved through a dynamic set of reflections and conclusions that a teacher constructs and re-constructs through his or her tenure as an educator. The following is such a document relating to the reflections, conclusions, experiences and re-reflection of Mr. Zachary Forster, Teacher Education Candidate.

A teacher must believe that all children are capable of learning, regardless of any challenges they may face. Because students all learn differently, they must then be afforded any and all educational aids that could assist them in strengthening their understanding. For example, if students are having trouble communicating understanding of a math concept in written form, they could be afforded a scribe to record the meaning from a verbal explanation.

A competent teacher has a responsibility to accommodate any and all learning needs in the classroom. This can take the form of uniquely engaging lessons, differentiation of instruction or additional use of manipulatives. It is not enough to be a teacher who presents information. A teacher is also charged with equipping and enabling children to learn the material. If one approach is not successful, another will be used. Teachers must expect that students will learn at different paces and through a variety of instructional strategies.

The class room is more than just a space. A good teacher will develop and maintain a positive learning environment through creation of a functionally organized and decorated space, one designed to engage and stimulate a child. While interesting, a positive learning environment will be free of unnecessary distractions in order to maximize learning. A teacher must fill this place with respectful rules, systems, love, caring and equity in order for the space to become a positive, inclusive learning environment; one conducive to children’s success.

Teachers must constantly be aware of their student’s moods. If something seems “off”, ask. A good teacher should be there for a student to talk with about an issue, while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism. A student’s well being is a holistic matter and consists of physical and emotional constructs. Only when both are acknowledged, can students reach their full potential.

Teachers should always be reflecting on their practice, looking for ways to improve or fine tune their craft. Teachers must stay relevant with their lessons in order to properly engage students. Educators should always be searching for new ways to reach students at their engagement and instructional level. Teachers are most effective when they work collaboratively, sharing knowledge in support of student learning so that a school can reach excellence.

Education is a passion. A teacher must feel excited when students learn, contemplative when they do not and persistent in order to ensure that learning has taken place. Only by embracing education as part of one’s self, rather than simply a job, can educators reach their full potential.

Personal Statement of Why I am Choosing to Become a Teacher, Zachary Forster, 19 01 14:

I have chosen the teaching profession for a variety of reasons included my own love of learning and a passion for working in a constructive social setting. Schools are designed to be positive environments where people work together toward common goals. My university studies and practical experiences with students had led me to the following ideas regarding teaching and learning. I bring facility in music and visual art to the teaching profession as well as athletic coaching experience.

Teachers must believe that all children are capable of learning, regardless of any challenges they may face. Because students all learn differently, they must then be afforded any and all educational aids that could assist them in strengthening their understanding. For example, if students are having trouble communicating understanding of a math concept in written form, they could be afforded a scribe to record the meaning from a verbal explanation.

Teachers must constantly be aware of their student’s moods. If something seems “off”, ask. A good teacher should be there for a student to talk with about an issue, while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism. A student’s well-being is a holistic matter and consists of physical and emotional constructs. Only when both are acknowledged, can students reach their full potential.