teaching philosophy
I believe that the primary goal of formal education is to prepare students for adult life. Ensuring that my students attain the qualifications they need to make a living in the future is undeniably an important part of this preparatory process. But it is equally important that I equip my students with the life-skills that they will need within those jobs and, indeed, in the world beyond school. Their motivation to learn should not only be driven by their desire to succeed in school, which is only a shallow, transient form of motivation that will not last beyond formal education. Rather, I hope to inspire my students to see learning as lifelong process that must be supported by a clearly defined value system and a firm sense of self-worth.
Of course, I cannot force these upon my students - but I can encourage them to engage reflexively with their journey through the education system whilst equipping them with the cognitive and emotional skills to develop their character for years to come. I know that my time with my students will eventually come to an end, so I have only a short window to leave a lasting impact upon their lives. Therefore, my teaching philosophy is to help my students stand on their own feet, and to give them the skills that will help them to journey on long after they have left my classroom. After all, I believe that to teach is to lead, and the best teachers, like the best leaders, are capable of inspiring those under their charge to perform to the very best of their abilities.
