Philosophy | E Porfolio Copy

Ms. Kuk's

5 Teaching Philosoph-Es

1. Exploration

My classroom will be a space for students to explore the unknown and expand their borders on who they are and what they know. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, along with different ways of knowing will enrich students’ sense of individual identity and belonging in local, national and global contexts. Students can experiment as innovative thinkers by approaching new ideas with an open mind and asking questions will be a central part of the exploration process. Exploration can be both inward and outward, therefore for every step forward, students will be asked to reflect inward and explore what personal meaning or connections they can derive from new experiences.

2. Engagement

Engagement is a constant exchange between the self and the outside world. My goal is to engage with each one of my students by putting relationality at the core of my teaching. Being attentive to each person in a holistic sense and dedicating time to listen and communicate creates a safe space for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in their learning. Attention will be put on designing and applying instructional strategies and learning activities that encompass a wide range of needs/interests. My expectations for both myself and my students will be to engage in life-long learning inside and outside the classroom and to treat each experience as a learning opportunity.

3. Empowerment

Learning is an essential part of empowerment as it cultivates understanding of oneself and builds worldly connections. I want all my students to feel that their voices are heard, to build loving relationships with themselves and others, and to discover and cultivate their strengths. My goal is for my students to value all types of learning and to become active participants in their own learning journey. In addition to personal development, students will understand that the definition of empowerment is different for everyone and become active agents in empowering others in their lives.

4. Empathy

Empathy is the foundation in which we can form connections, navigate relationships, and find peaceful and compassionate solutions to the problems of the world. Building a classroom culture rooted in empathy means learning how to put yourself into someone else’s shoes, creating safe platforms for everyone’s voices to be expressed, and actively listening to one another. Incorporating empathy into our thoughts, words, and actions helps to cultivate a generation of respectful and responsible learners who are aware and active in creating positive change in the world.

5. Equity

Each student carries a complex story within, which teachers may or may not know about. Employing equitable teaching practices based on the needs of my class and implementing equitable forms of assessment where every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge to the best of their ability can address the differing needs of each student. I place care-ethics at the heart of my teaching and prioritize in identifying and responding to the needs of my students. Equity also translates to looking out for and ensuring the physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of oneself, classmates, and other members of society.

I’d like to become a compassionate teacher who inspires students to welcome the unknown, to find meaning in the process of learning, and to become agents of positive change who will use today to shape a better tomorrow.