My educational philosophy, like many others, has changed and matured as I have taught in different cities, different grades, and all styles of learners. My philosophy could be described as a balance between Piaget’s Constructivist approaches to instruction built upon Canter’s Assertive Discipline.
 
I believe that effective classroom instruction first starts with clear expectations, roles, and communication between professor and students. I begin every class in a new semester with a building challenge to remind the teacher candidates that we must be the architects to help students build a solid foundation. In doing this simulation, I also detail the strict expectations I have for the candidates in my classes. We spend a lot of time talking about these expectations, as well as professionalism as a teacher. I build my classroom environment and culture around the the thought, “if a teacher is teaching, and no one is listening… then no teaching is happening”. Canter’s Assertive Discipline preaches that teachers are to establish clear expectations, roles, and communication within the classroom, so I make sure I am clear on all assignments, and what I expect right from day one.
 
Piaget’s Constructivism believes that all learning should be student-centered and student driven. I believe this as well, and I try to build in solid hands on, cooperative learning experiences with the class structure to break up the needed imparting of knowledge in lectures.
 
Lastly, I believe as a professor in going the extra mile to ensure every candidate has a chance to be successful. This is done by supporting when needed in classwork, going to support at athletic events, sorority/fraternity events, and encouraging candidates to go beyond comfort zones. At the end of each school semester and year, every candidate will be provided the support needed to reach the goals set forth.