Tanessa Sanchez
Assistant Professor | Child Development & Education
Teaching Philosophy
Educators have the opportunity to make a powerful impact on students' lives and the academic culture. Together we are responsible for modeling and creating good communicators, helping students to problem solve and think critically, work collaboratively with peers, embrace diversity, and become socially responsible for themselves and their surroundings. In taking a holistic approach, the role of an educator is to help impact the whole student. I have found little difference in my responsibilities while working with children and/or adults.
I believe there are many strategies necessary in supporting students, both inside and outside the classroom. My primary role as an educator is to facilitate, guide, support, and mentor students to investigate and discover their learning through hands-on experiences, inquiry-based participation, and active involvement. My ultimate goal is to instill in my students the importance of receiving and reciprocating education and becoming life-long learners.
While I am an advocate for structure, I also believe that the classroom environment should be one that fosters constructivist thinking, and student engagement. Students should be encouraged and involved in cooperative and independent learning opportunities. I involve my students in the process of constructing knowledge as a member of a community; working together towards a common goal. I incorporate weekly discussions and assignments with basic requirements to engage students in a learning community where every student has a voice. Here they are able to share insight, experience, and concerns within the field.Â
Part of my teaching philosophy is my whole-hearted determination for students to succeed. All students can learn, and it is my responsibility to do what I can to ensure that they accomplish the goals they set before them. As I am a practitioner of the Learning Loop we teach, I am frequently reflecting on the courses I teach and instrumentally re-examining my program, curriculum, and my own teaching pedagogy to see what adjustments need to be made. I am a teacher who sets both high and clear expectations for the students and myself. I believe an important component of success is encouraging the meeting of desired expectations through modeling and demonstration which I implement both online and face-to-face. Communication, therefore, is consistent, effective, and reassuring.
I am genuinely eager to continue this chapter in my life. I know that my philosophy will set the stage for a career that is rewarding. I believe in myself as a teacher, I believe in my students as successful learners, and together we will succeed.
Sincerely,
Tanessa Sanchez