My Teaching Philosophy
Kaitlyn M. Kirkpatrick
Regent University
UED 496
Dr. Flannagan
September 11, 2023
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Each teacher has values that influence their teaching style and instruction. My
educational philosophy has undergone a significant change during my time at Regent University.
I have adopted a research-oriented approach to teaching, which has given me a renewed sense of
purpose in the field of education. Due to my personal life experiences and worldview, my
mission is to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. I want to empower each
student to grow academically and to become responsible, contributing citizens. The foundation
of my teaching philosophy is based on my Christian worldview, which highlights the importance
of displaying love, kindness, and respect towards every person.
I believe that education is a lifelong journey of growth, and I hope to help unlock each
student’s potential. As an educator, I aim to provide guidance and support as students explore
their God-given abilities and talents. I am committed to fostering a growth mindset in my
students. No matter the task placed in front of my students, I know that with proper
encouragement and guidance, they can overcome anything. I want them to embrace challenges as
opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Next, my Christian faith serves as the foundation of my teaching philosophy. I believe
that every student is fearfully and wonderfully created by God, and I hope to instill values of
love, integrity, and kindness in my classroom. My goal is to create an atmosphere where all
students feel respected and important, embracing the diversity of students, regardless of their
background or abilities. I hope to lead my students by example, loving each of them and walking
uprightly because I believe that education is more than academics, but is about fostering a
community where each student feels valued and respects their peers.
To continue, I adhere to a constructivist approach to education. Constructivism is, “...a
learning theory that emphasizes the active role of learners in building their own understanding.
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Rather than passively receiving information, learners reflect on their experiences, create mental
representations, and incorporate new knowledge into their schemas” (Mcleod, 2023). In my
classroom, I aim for my students to actively build their own knowledge through exploration and
interaction. I encourage inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By
engaging students in hands-on experiences and collaborative activities, my goal is to let them
take ownership of their learning.
Lastly, I am dedicated to academic excellence and aim to challenge my students to reach
their highest potential. As I gain more experience, my methods for fostering a culture of
academic achievement will evolve. Nevertheless, based on my current experience and education,
I believe in three approaches to achieving this goal. The first way is to set clear expectations
because students must know what is expected of them in order to succeed. In fact, some
researchers believe that clear expectations are one of the most effective ways to impact student
achievement (McDowell, 2021). The second way is to provide constructive feedback to facilitate
their growth. Constructive feedback allows students to be engaged in and reflect upon the
learning process (Holl, 2019). Thirdly, I believe in fostering a love for lifelong learning. Children
are born as natural learners, and I hope to grow their natural spark of curiosity.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that empowering students to reach their full potential goes
beyond just academic success. It also involves instilling in them the values of compassion and
empathy towards their peers. I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that
fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. My goal is to help each student become
a responsible, engaged citizen who contributes positively to society. I believe that with
dedication and hard work, every student can achieve their fullest potential and make a
meaningful impact on the world.
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References
Holl, R. (2019, August 1). The Importance of Feedback. Learning A-Z.
https://www.learninga-z.com/site/resources/breakroom-blog/importance-of-feedback#:~:t
ext=Providing%20constructive%20feedback%20to%20individual,how%20much%20feed
back%20is%20given.
McDowell, M. (2021). How students and teachers can develop clear expectations for learning.
Edutopia.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-students-and-teachers-can-develop-clear-expectatio
ns-learning/
Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). Constructivism Learning Theory & Philosophy of Education. Simply
Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html
