Teaching Portfolio
| Teaching Philosophy |
Kendall Kirby's Teaching Philosophy
I can remember the exact moment my ninth grade mind realized I wanted to be an Agricultural Education teacher and wouldn’t settle for anything less. I want to be the educator who strives to put the students first in my every decision. I will fashion a safe environment where students will not be afraid to express their own mental models and concerns. Additionally, I will develop a relationship with the surrounding community who will be able to support my curriculum. With the rise of global urban development it is important for me to convey the significance of agriculture and its crucial existence in our society while preparing students for real life.
I believe that no student will be left behind in my classroom as I will create a unified student body in my classes with a strong emphasis on leadership and service to one another. Through cooperative learning students, will be able to “explore attitudes” and have “cross-cultural experiences” that will teach life-long sensitivity to “student’s cultural heritage, unique endowments, learning styles, interests, and needs.” (Equity in Excellence for All Learners, LCP #3)
In an agricultural education classroom, it is important for students to learn, construct, and problem solve through hands on activities. The national FFA motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” is a prime example of authentic learning practices.(NFAAO) I will encourage my students to be assertive, aware of agriculture’s impact on our daily lives, and cooperative with diverse differences. Agricultural education prepares students for real-life information about food, global agricultural sustainability, and natural resources. I will encourage students to learn through trial and error and accept their mistakes as opportunities to learn. In an agricultural classroom it is critical for students to be aware of local, national, and global agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
As an agricultural education teacher, I will consider myself a constantly visible role model capable of influencing everyone’s mental models about agricultural education. I will consider it my personal duty to uphold the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators. I will pay specific attention to the lines that state, “respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty.” As a public figure I have the ability to deeply influence students in either a positive or negative way. Thus, I will keep my actions pure and just, staying true to the example of a master educator.
My philosophy as an agricultural education teacher will change and expand with years to come. Working with experienced educators will give me the opportunity to adapt and modify my vision throughout my entire career. With the rise of global urban development it is important for me to convey the significance of agriculture and its crucial existence in our society. I will grow with my students’ everyday and build on both positive and negative experiences that I will utilize until my career’s end.
I believe that no student will be left behind in my classroom as I will create a unified student body in my classes with a strong emphasis on leadership and service to one another. Through cooperative learning students, will be able to “explore attitudes” and have “cross-cultural experiences” that will teach life-long sensitivity to “student’s cultural heritage, unique endowments, learning styles, interests, and needs.” (Equity in Excellence for All Learners, LCP #3)
In an agricultural education classroom, it is important for students to learn, construct, and problem solve through hands on activities. The national FFA motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” is a prime example of authentic learning practices.(NFAAO) I will encourage my students to be assertive, aware of agriculture’s impact on our daily lives, and cooperative with diverse differences. Agricultural education prepares students for real-life information about food, global agricultural sustainability, and natural resources. I will encourage students to learn through trial and error and accept their mistakes as opportunities to learn. In an agricultural classroom it is critical for students to be aware of local, national, and global agriculture and its contribution to our well-being.
As an agricultural education teacher, I will consider myself a constantly visible role model capable of influencing everyone’s mental models about agricultural education. I will consider it my personal duty to uphold the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators. I will pay specific attention to the lines that state, “respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty.” As a public figure I have the ability to deeply influence students in either a positive or negative way. Thus, I will keep my actions pure and just, staying true to the example of a master educator.
My philosophy as an agricultural education teacher will change and expand with years to come. Working with experienced educators will give me the opportunity to adapt and modify my vision throughout my entire career. With the rise of global urban development it is important for me to convey the significance of agriculture and its crucial existence in our society. I will grow with my students’ everyday and build on both positive and negative experiences that I will utilize until my career’s end.
Reflection
I benefited immensely from developing and writing my teaching philosophy. My teaching philosophy has been shaped from both positive and negative personal experiences, and my education from Tarleton State University. My teaching philosophy will be my first impression that a hiring committee or principal sees of me when interviewing for a teaching position. Writing my philosophy helped me form my concrete opinions as well as organize my thoughts onto paper.
