Michael Strange | Teaching Portfolio

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that teaching is both an art and a science. As a teacher I must keep abreast of developments in both education in general and in my content area, mathematics. I must then take these new developments and integrate them, when appropriate, seamlessly into my current methods of teaching. Only by constantly studying my trade and altering it when necessary will I become the best teacher that I can possibly be.

I believe that education is the foundation of freedom. By educating ourselves and others we are able break through to new levels of existence and free ourselves from whatever may have been holding us down.

I believe that humans have an innate curiosity and desire to learn. This aspect of human nature may be hidden in some, but as teachers we must find a way to tap into this natural instinct so that our students can utilize it to create their own knowledge.

I believe that knowledge is built from the inside out. My job is not to be a talking textbook but rather to guide the student in writing their own book of knowledge. The only true knowledge is developed in the mind of student and is not dispensed through the mouth of a teacher.

I believe that teachers are part of a student's support system. With the assistance of friends, family, neighbors, and teachers, children will be able to overcome any obstacles and achieve the greatest heights.

I believe that assessment should guide teaching and not vice versa. By taking carefully planned assessment of what students are learning we are able to mold our lessons help the students achieve the most. Assessments show deficiencies in teaching, not in learning.

I believe that expectations of all students must be held high. If we wish for our students to achieve then we must expect them to overachieve. As Emerson wrote-"We aim above the mark to hit the mark."

I believe that teaching and learning are fun. I've never had a job that I couldn't wait to get to...until I started teaching.