1. My philosophy of teaching is to provide all students with a space to where they are encouraged to
express their own ideas and participate in their educational experience. I place much emphasis on
individual autonomy for the learning that takes place in the classroom through providing students
with explanation and guidance regarding the subject matter and course materials. My vision is that
the students in my classes will enjoy the interactions and collaborations that take place in the
classroom and to be challenged by the intellectual and academic discussion of course material.
The purpose of this document is to exemplify my philosophy of teaching. At the end of each class
that I teach and/or assist, I would like to have my students remember the following about me as a
teaching assistant/guest lecturer:
 He allowed for me to contribute to the subject matter in a way that was
suited towards life experiences and application
 He created a safe space in the classroom which inspired learning, growth,
application and encouraged individual autonomy for my education.
I use these model testimonials as a guide for my performance in the classroom and to define my
teaching philosophy. In the remainder of this document, I provide examples of how I apply these
guides as a teaching assistant/guest lecturer.
Recognition of Individuality & Autonomy
The diverse backgrounds of the students in the classroom enable them to bring a variety of
philosophies that relates to the course material. I hope that the students in my class see that my
classroom is a space for discussion and facilitation to where they can openly share their ideas
about the subject matter and contribute to the educational experience. Usually on the first day of
class, I have students partake in an ice breaker that will ease tension and create an energized
environment for what is to come. Throughout the semester, I attempt to meet with each student to
know a little about his or her background and what they seek to accomplish in their educational
pursuits. When I know my students, they seem to feel appreciated and enjoy the educational
experience of participating in my class.
Learning Environment
As a teaching assistant/guest lecturer, I have the obligation and privilege to help my students learn
how to learn. I seek to inspire my students with a desire to learn more independently. I do this by
encouraging students to take advantage of the many resources available to them rather than the
standard course materials and lectures. For example, I may assign tasks which require
collaboration with social media sources, community organizations, and/or individuals. In doing
so, I hope to show the students that I teach that there is a remarkable amount of resources readily
available for them to use in learning about many subject matters that they may be studying.
I anticipate students to take individual responsibility and autonomy for their education by coming
prepared and organized to participate in class. This means completing the assigned readings,
participating in discussion boards, and collaborating with students (if needed be) before the start
of class. To inspire and encourage student participation, I use active-learning strategies and
culturally responsive pedagogies to attract students into class discussions. In class, I may ask
students questions and use their responses from the questions as a foundation for the theories to be
covered in the class period. In addition, I attempt to redirect questions presented by students in the
class to other students. By using active-learning strategies, I hope to help my students understand
that hey are responsible for their own education experience.