Why do people keep asking about “teaching philosophy”?

Honestly, one of the main questions I have been asked as a teacher is, “what is your teaching philosophy?”

This question almost NEVER comes from a student or a parent, but from a school administrator or professor of education. The question itself has never bothered me, but I have always wondered how it could be answered that would matter.

Philosophy is one of those words that make people immediately go blank. As a teacher, I know that as soon as I start talking about personal philosophies, my students’ faces suddenly go slack - not a single thought behind their eyes.

So, why talk about it? Why do you see this come up when you are looking for tutors, advisors, teachers, school districts? Why do you think ALL education based companies or businesses have this discussion?

Well … if you take a step back, it does matter, it just matters in a way we don’t initially think. When you ask a teacher about their “teaching philosophy” what you are asking really translates to: “what’s your vibe as a teacher?”

To use the younger generations’ lingo - a vibe is the overall disposition or ‘personality’ of a noun. (Oooooh, nouns - didn’t think you would be getting grammar lessons did ya?)(Noun = person, place, thing).

When you are trying to find out what is best for you or your student, whether you realize it or not, the teaching philosophy will play a huge role in the success of your goals. You have to find a “vibe” that will help the learning stick as well as help build a healthy relationship with the learning.

So ... Now that you have the why to the question - let me give you the what.

My teaching philosophy is simple: fulfillment. Odd choice? Have you heard that one before? Maybe. Let me explain …

When I was young, I never really had an answer to what I wanted to do with my life. I remember constantly being asked by friends and family, but I never really felt the magnetism of any of my answers.

It took me a lot of learning to understand what it was that made me feel happy and successful.

I was the type of kid who was afraid of everything. Germs, weather, strangers, schedule changes - it did not matter, my anxiety and fear were my main emotions growing up. I really only felt happy when I felt safe and comfortable.

Luckily, my family and home was one of the places I could feel happy. The only other place was school.

My teachers were amazing. Each and every one of them worked so hard to provide me a space where I could let go of the anxiety and fear and just be a kid. Being a teacher now, I am sure that I was a difficult student. I was the type of kid that would read and question everything, but because of my anxiety I would hyperfixate and press on subjects too.

Ultimately, my safe spaces are what shaped me into who I am today. My family, my teachers, my friends - that understanding and patience they gave to me was what allowed me to thrive.

I was a high achieving student. Great at tests. Great at studying. Overall, school became my area of expertise.

My senior year of high school, I wrote an article that was published in the school paper and my local town’s paper. The article was about growing through anxiety - reaching my senior year and finding success in school. I told the story of how I started a “mini-riot” in my 3rd grade class because my anxiety took hold. My teacher was working hard to show me “tough love” and help me to understand that everything would be ok - but my 3rd grade self wasn’t ready. Instead, I left the classroom in tears and my classmates turned against the teacher calling her names.

That story published in the papers reached my 3rd grade teacher. It was a couple months later when I received a letter from her - explaining her side of the story. She told me that she had spoken with my family and that everyone was working so hard to help me conquer my fears. She remembered that day being challenging because she wanted so badly to just give in, but she had to be tough to help me learn and grow.

It was then, my senior year, reading all this when it finally clicked.

I wanted to teach.

I wanted to be like Mrs. Colburn and help my students find their happiness. I wanted to provide a safe space for them to grow and adapt.

This realization changed my trajectory forever. I knew I could find happiness in a job like teaching, and I knew that I could help others find their “fulfillment” too.

It was a win win.

My teaching philosophy comes from all of this. I want those around me to feel comfortable, happy, challenged, satisfied. I want my students to enjoy learning and growing, but to do so in a way that will inspire them to keep at it even after they are done with school.

I firmly believe that we as people are meant to learn throughout our entire lives. Whether it be our first words or the age old wisdom of our elders - fulfillment in life can come from the constant goal and effort to improve. I hope to help others achieve that.