Statement of Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, the most important consideration must be to instill in ones students an intense intellectual curiosity and give them the tools and inspiration they will need to continue the learning process long after they have left the classroom. A teacher should be a resource and a guide, and empower her students think critically and act responsibly. The following are a few of the essential components that I believe make an excellent teacher.
An effective educator must possess several qualities; knowledge, organization, discipline, compassion, flexibility and an ability to keep all students engaged at all times. A good teacher is prepared, engaging, fair, and never loses sight of the goals she establishes with her students. She must create a positive and non-threatening learning environment. She must provide challenging and interesting material that is also accessible, and that stimulates the minds and psyche of her students.
She must communicate well, be an active listener, and be able to express ideas clearly and in an organized fashion. An effective educator has integrity of language and action. She understands the importance of non-verbal communication and how this affects the classroom or rehearsal.
Since the nature of teaching is interactive, a good teacher will generate the direction of a discussion but encourage her students to be insightful and carry ideas further. She stimulates the creativity of her students and gains their trust through positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.
A good teacher must be efficient with time management. Since time is always limited, she needs to select a curriculum or repertoire that is appropriate for the class or ensemble, as well as one that stretches her students to reach new heights. An excellent balance of planning ahead and responding in the moment to students needs is of utmost importance.
She understands that a sense of accomplishment after every class meeting or rehearsal is paramount, and regardless of how small the success, she acknowledges the achievement. She encourages her students to do their personal best, and recognizes the individual needs and learning styles of all students and helps them progress.
An effective teacher approaches subject matter conceptually and sequentially, and helps her students internalize ideas and tools, and apply them to different contexts. She has multiple ways of explaining concepts to accommodate the individual needs of her students and is keen to pick up on her students’ comprehension and assimilation.
An effective teacher emanates positive energy and encourages self-discipline, service, and responsibility. She communicates her work ethic and values by modeling, not by preaching. She is passionate about what she does, and her enthusiasm and inspiration are contagious.