Miss Jeffrey's MCR3U: November 2011

My Teaching Philosophy

A Teacher is Like a Gardener

I believe a classroom is a garden, the students are the seedlings, and the teacher is the gardener. Each time the students enter the garden, it is the responsibility of the teacher to co-ordinate interesting activities, enriched and challenging, which will enable the students to grow strong and tall into their natural brilliance.

A gardener doesn’t blame the plant when it’s not performing well; they check the growing conditions. Is the soil the plant is growing in suitable? Is the water supply adequate? Is the plant able to receive sunlight? Does it require differentiation? Is the cross-curricular instruction effective? Good gardeners are good problem solvers. A teacher must be the same.

Some plants will blossom early and some will blossom late. Some will require extra attention and some will need additional encouragement. The gardener should be patient with the seedlings, because no matter how much water or how much sunshine they receive, they are all individuals, and, as a result, they will all grow at their own rate, in their own way, during their own time; no two are the same. A teacher must also recognize this.

Good gardeners are optimistic and patient. They are able to see the potential in those struggling young seedlings and enjoy watching them grow, develop, and bloom. They give special tender loving care to those few plants that are struggling and not thriving. A teacher must do the same.

Good gardeners also know the importance of taking care of themselves. They pace themselves so they won’t overdo it and seek relief from the blazing sun. Good gardeners enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping other gardeners. They willingly pass along tips that have worked for them, share their tools and pitch in when the going gets tough. A teacher must do the same.

Good teachers like good gardeners help their “seedlings” develop and thrive. A teacher takes great pride in his/her ever-expanding garden whose flowers are scattered all over the world.

I am a teacher, I am a gardener, and I will make a difference in the world.

Miss Jeffrey's MCR3U

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