Personal Teaching Statement

Personal Teaching Statement
I have often thought, what type of a teacher will I be? I would like to be remembered by students as a Teacher who taught from the heart, was genuine, caring, gave time generously and was passionate about my subject. I aim to grow as a teacher who nurtures my students as individuals and who fosters a classroom environment which encourages all students to achieve through involvement and collaborative learning.

Following are the key beliefs which underpin my teaching practice, and although there is nothing new listed here, they are the standard that I set out to achieve each time I work alongside my classes.

I believe that…
Teachers are responsible for facilitating a positive learning classroom environment.
When students feel safe, they can reach their potential in learning.
All students should have equal opportunities.
Teachers have the power to encourage success in students at every level.
Ongoing professional development and a reflective practice is an essential part of continued learning and growth as a teacher.
Creative and firm student management is important to optimise learning.
A range of engaging teaching techniques should be employed to motivate students.
Contribution to wider school activities builds positive relationships for inside the classroom.

Teachers are responsible for learning programmes, designed to meet cultural and individual learning needs.
We learn from colleagues and developing positive relationships with all staff members is essential within an education community.

How it’s going so far…
Initially my involvement with Christian Youth and surfing got me interested in becoming a teacher. My twelve years industry experience as a Design Director was restricted to dealing mostly with corporate clients and designers. Although I learnt a proficient degree of technical skill and confidence, it was quite a contrast to the classroom environment. I was passionate and enjoyed what I did. However working with youth became exciting and energising for me. Being involved with summer youth camps, youth conferences, and youth performances made me realise that teaching could be a pathway to working along side youth full time. I changed career paths and have the best of both worlds!

My first two years teaching in a decile 2 school in New Zealand were both challenging and rewarding. Many of my students came from complicated home situations, and my biggest challenge came from helping students to achieve and excel, when they could be at times overwhelmed by what was taking place in their personal lives. I needed to work hard to develop genuine relationships before learning could take place as many of my students didn’t come to school to learn. What a reward as a teacher to see my classes engaged and achieving.

The three key factors I contribute to the success of my first two years of teaching are, firstly the excellent and supportive relationship between the head of Art and myself, the industry experience of 12 years design which I brought to the classroom, and my commitment to form positive relationships with all students.

Some of the most effective times I had building relationships were whilst on lunch and interval duties, where I spent the time chatting with students and playing sports. The hours spent after school working on external submissions were times for sharing meals and discussions. This valuable time getting to know students was not only beneficial for classroom learning, but also added joy to my teaching.

One of the excitements in teaching is seeing your student’s face once they have achieved or excelled beyond their own expectations. Whether it was a student who won a scholarship at the highest level or a student who purely achieved.

Even though I possess the skills and knowledge to teach art, art design and photography to a very high level, teaching is a completely invigorating career where I am constantly learning from students, colleagues and my environment. The prospect of growing as part of a learning community holds a very exciting future for me and my family.