Serena Gorham

• My Philosophy on Education: 

The purpose of education is to provide equal access to opportunity no matter the diversity of the individual’s life. I believe that one’s upbringing, religion, gender, race, ethnic background, etc. should not hinder a person’s right to an education. It is the responsibility of teachers, parents, and guardians to foster educational growth in whatever areas a child is passionate about. I believe that education should entail of an interesting, diverse, and connective curriculum that engages the twenty-first century learner. People should walk away from an educational institution as problem-solving, functional, empathetic, knowledgable and passionate learners. Education, in my opinion, should inspire the student to yearn and explore until curiosity is fulfilled.

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• My Philosophy on Students: 

Students are the backbone of a school, and experience the most formative years of their lives with peers, hopefully in an environment that nourishes growth and confidence. I believe that students are naturally incredibly curious and gifted with the ability to think critically through the problems that today’s polarized world can throw their way. The interactions of student to student is a reflection of their community, their teachers, and their struggles. I believe that teachers who inspire passion and love for a subject will find that the students in their classroom will also exhibit their passions. It’s the job of the students to soak in their education, and speak up when their education is not working for them. I believe that their goals and dreams should be at the forefront of their teacher’s obligations.  

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• My Philosophy on Teaching 

I believe that my position as a teacher is to guide. Guiding students to think critically and deeply about anything they choose is important to me. I often feel as if individual thought is not celebrated, and that creativity is stripped from students as they age. My stance as a teacher is to inspire creativity, even if it leads to creative dissonance between myself and a student. Every student should have the opportunity to explain themselves, question their surroundings, and advocate for themselves to their teachers. As a teacher I will believe in every student, because every student has great potential to change lives, and achieve greatness in their own right. It is my job as a teacher to provide a space where all are celebrated for their differences, no matter how great they may be.

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• My Philosophy on Learning: 

Each child has extremely different needs in the case of their learning. My classroom will be a place for every speed of learner, where students will help each other and understand that concepts are not easy for everyone. I believe that some students truly excel when the style of lesson includes elements that help their learning. I will celebrate all styles of learning, assist those students who need extra help, and allow students who grasp concepts faster to move through material faster. Students should be allowed to learn at their own pace, and should not be pushed along through concepts that they do not grasp well. The purpose of learning to enrich a student’s knowledge of a subject, and inspire them to go out and discover.

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• Philosophy on Music Education 

    Music education has a very special place in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to actively engage in music if they so choose. This can be through general music classes, ensembles, private lessons, etc. I believe that music has a unique power to deeply enrich someone’s life. There is no experience that every human goes through that can be comparable to being part of music. Becoming part of something that is bigger than yourself is a dying experience in today’s world. Either through attending live performances, or being part of an ensemble, everyone can experience how music brings people together, builds communities, and provides a place for self expression.  

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• Philosophy on Teachers 

    I believe that it is the job of teachers to ensure that all students are receiving an education of extraordinary quality, no matter the recourses. All teachers have the power to be the best teacher a child has ever had, and change lives. I believe that teachers should value all their students equally, even if some students appear disinterested. Disinterested students need to be reached, and assisted with finding their passion just as much as the enthusiastic students.