Professional Practice
I Believe...
- Classroom environments are simply not a physical space in which learning occurs but are an integral part of the learning process. I believe that the learning environment of a classroom has significant consequences on the attitudes, behaviours and achievements of students and therefore must be fun, supportive, safe, encouraging, inclusive to all students.
- For effective learning, connections between lessons and topic content to students' prior knowledge must be made explicit. Teachers must explore their students' background knowledge and provide multiple opportunities for connections between their linguistic, cultural, knowledge and experience to the topics, content and skill required of them. I believe in knowing the students that I teach so I can make my lessons and the curriculum relevant and meaningful.
- I believe implementing a range of resources and the use of information technologies into my lessons at every opportunity is extremely effective in challenging, engaging and supporting students in their learning.
- I believe behaviour management should not only be corrective, it should also include preventative and supportive discipline measures.
- The teacher serves as an intellectual and moral role model for their students. I believe in modelling exemplary behaviour to students both within the school and the wider community.
- Little is gained from low expectations, especially in the world of education. I believe in setting and maintaining high standards and challenging but achievable goals not only for my students but also for myself.