Ashley Prindle

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that all children have the innate ability to learn if given the opportunity to receive a quality
education. Each child is unique and with the proper guidance and support their fullest potential can be reached. In
order to allow children to meet their fullest potential, it is essential that there is positive learning environment both
inside and outside of the classroom. A positive learning environment starts with effective communication, a
classroom community of leaders, academic rigor, holding students to high expectations, and creating a life long
learner.

Communication is essential to creating an environment where students can learn. There needs to be open
communication between students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community. Each individual plays an
important role in the education of a child and by having an open dialogue we can move forward as a team toward
educating a child.

In order to create a community of leaders as an educator I must communicate to not only my students, but
also the parents the importance of an education. It is my goal to make sure that my classroom is conducive to
establishing high standards and goals for all children that enter my classroom. I want to instill into my students a
strong work ethic, grit, and determination. By incorporating hands-on and minds-on activities, my students prior
knowledge will be activated and they will become engaged in their learning.

Academic rigor helps to improve and foster student learning. Educators must set clear goals and
expectations, create performance-based assessments to accurately measure student leaning, and develop lessons that
foster student engagement toward achieving learning benchmarks. Teachers, administrators, parents, and the
community must share the belief that holding students accountable for their hard work and the expectation to
continuously improve their learning will ensure a meaningful and lasting educational experience.

Moreover, as an educator it is my job to ensure that my students are receiving grade level standards. I must
allow students to use their knowledge and abilities to discover new things for themselves and to foster their learning
by providing them with questions to solve. Students should have ample opportunities to partake in hands-on
activities and be allowed time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being taught. I want to create
learners who have self-efficacy and self-esteem, which in turn will create life long learners.

In order for a child to be successful, there must be a partnership between the school, family, and
community. Schools must take the initiative in developing and sustaining effective partnerships. Without parental
involvement it becomes challenging to help a child meet their greatest potential.

Children should learn in a child-centered environment. Child-centered instruction allows the child to
discover new information and use the information in other aspects of the learning process. It is essential to involve
and encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning. By allowing students to engage in cooperative
learning as well as independent learning opportunities can foster independent learners.

My ultimate goal is to create a positive learning environment that embraces the concept that schools are for
students and achievement. But most importantly my goal is to instill in my students the importance of receiving an
education and becoming a life long learner who questions the world around them and always wants to learn more.