Philosophy of teaching

     My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that every child has the potential to succeed and that my role as a teacher is to inspire and encourage them to reach their full potential.   I have been a teacher at the Louis Armstrong middle school for the past five years and the experience at this school has been the most shaping part of my educational career. 

     As a teacher, my primary goal has always been to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks and explore new ideas. The Art room was always a safe place for me to try, fail, and try again.  I do my best to treat the classroom like a studio, giving the students responsibilities, routines, and rigor. Additionally, this gives the students certain freedoms to creatively explore ideas and mediums in the classroom, and this keeps them involved. I believe that students learn best when they are engaged and interested in what they are learning. Therefore, I strive to make my lessons exciting and relevant to their lives. I encourage my students to ask questions and to think critically, and I always try to incorporate their interests into the curriculum.

     Another key aspect of my teaching philosophy is the belief that every student is unique, and that different teaching approaches are needed to meet their individual needs. I make it a priority to get to know each of my students on a personal level, to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to adapt my teaching style accordingly. I believe that by providing individualized attention and support, I can help each student reach their full potential.  This has been the most surprising part of my teaching experience. The lasting bond I have created with so many students, shown through their letters, artwork, achievements, and reflections. 

     Above all, I believe that kindness and creativity are essential traits that should be fostered in all students. By modeling kindness and empathy, I hope to create a classroom culture that is supportive and respectful. I also believe that creativity is an important skill that can be applied to all areas of life. By encouraging my students to think creatively and outside of the box, I hope to inspire them to become innovative problem-solvers and lifelong learners.

     In summary, my teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child has the potential to succeed, and that it is my role as a teacher to provide the support, encouragement, and resources needed to help them achieve their goals. The experience at the Louis Armstrong middle school has been the most shaping part of my educational career, as it has allowed me to develop a teaching approach that is tailored to the needs of my students and that emphasizes the importance of kindness, respect, and creativity.

Matthew Curry