Teaching

Philosophy

As an educator, I prioritize the success of my students which is a result of my students feeling free to express who they are in their music making. It is critical to provide students with the basic fundamentals of music making so they may be open to fully enjoying the expressive and cathartic, healing nature it brings. By understanding that students learn at different rates and think in many different ways, I am always adapting my teaching to be tailored to each of my students’ needs in order for them have and achieve their own unique musical experiences and goals. Read more of my teaching philosophy below! 

Classroom

Management Philosophy

As an educator, I believe effective classroom management begins with cultivating an environment of mutual respect, empathy, and empowerment. My approach is designed to support students’ growth as responsible, reflective individuals while fostering a love for learning. My classroom management philosophy provides the structure students need to thrive while encouraging their independence and creativity. Read more of my classroom management philosophy and plan below! 

Empowering My Classroom by Fostering Growth, Responsibility, & Life Long Learning

  • The Classroom Management Plan integrates Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and a Raffle System to promote positive behavior and engagement. The plan establishes clear expectations and consequences while incorporating an incentive-based approach to encourage student responsibility, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation. By aligning classroom behavior expectations with structured reinforcement, the plan fosters a community-centered learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

    Use in Teaching:

    This plan was actively implemented in the classroom to ensure students understood expectations and received consistent positive reinforcement. The Raffle System allowed students to earn tangible rewards for exceeding expectations, reinforcing a culture of achievement and accountability. Implementing PBIS principles helped address behavioral challenges proactively by promoting a positive classroom climate rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

    Standards Addressed:

    InTASC Standards:

    • Standard #3: Learning Environments – "The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation."

      • The plan fosters active engagement by using rewards (raffle tickets) as reinforcement, motivating students to meet expectations.

      • It promotes collaborative learning by allowing students to earn additional raffle winners as a class.

      • Encourages self-motivation by recognizing and reinforcing student-led positive behaviors.

    • Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice – "The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others, and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner."

      • The use of PBIS strategies reflects research-based classroom management practices that adapt to student needs.

      • Regular reflection on the effectiveness of the Raffle System allowed for continuous improvement in reinforcing positive behaviors.

    ISTE Standards for Educators:

    • Standard 1a (Learner): "Set professional learning goals to explore and apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness."

      • The plan demonstrates a student-centered approach by adapting strategies based on observed behavioral trends.

      • By implementing PBIS and raffle incentives, the teacher applies pedagogical methods to create a structured and engaging classroom.

    • Standard 5a (Designer): "Use technology to create, adapt, and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs."

      • The classroom management plan personalizes learning experiences by ensuring behavioral supports are adaptable to different student needs.

      • The raffle system encourages independence by allowing students to self-monitor their actions to earn rewards.

  • The Classroom Management Philosophy is rooted in respect, empathy, and empowerment to create a structured yet flexible learning environment. The philosophy prioritizes fostering student independence, encouraging problem-solving, and reinforcing positive behaviors through natural consequences rather than punitive discipline. The philosophy supports a growth mindset by embracing mistakes as opportunities for learning while maintaining fair and consistent classroom expectations.

    Use in Teaching:

    This philosophy guided daily interactions and classroom routines, ensuring students understood their role in maintaining a respectful and productive environment. Problem-solving strategies encouraged students to reflect on their actions rather than rely on teacher intervention. Students were empowered to take ownership of their learning and behavior by fostering independence and critical thinking.

    Standards Addressed:

    InTASC Standards:

    • Standard #2: Learning Differences – "The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards."

      • The philosophy accommodates behavioral and emotional needs by prioritizing empathy and respect in interactions.

      • Classroom strategies ensure that students feel valued, fostering an inclusive and supportive space for learning.

    • Standard #5: Application of Content – "The teacher connects concepts and uses differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving related to authentic local and global issues."

      • Encourages students to solve problems, fostering critical thinking and self-reliance independently.

      • Connects student behavioral choices to real-world consequences, reinforcing personal responsibility and accountability.

    ISTE Standards for Educators:

    • Standard 2a (Leader): "Shape, advance, and accelerate a shared vision for empowered learning with technology by engaging with education stakeholders."

      • The philosophy promotes student empowerment, ensuring that they take an active role in shaping their classroom culture.

      • By fostering independence and self-regulation, the approach aligns with empowered learning models.

    • Standard 4a (Collaborator): "Dedicate planning time to collaborate with colleagues to create authentic learning experiences that leverage technology."

      • The emphasis on coaching students to solve problems independently ensures that students engage in meaningful, collaborative learning experiences.