Mission Statement

Introduction

    A mission statement allows an educator to develop a purpose and continue to reflect on effectiveness. As Frank states in Becoming a reflective teacher: Define your teaching goals and continue to reevaluate them, “Exemplary teachers develop a purposeful, systematic inquiry into their personal theories about teaching and learning, and their practices are guided by what they discover.  Exemplary teachers are reflective teachers who can describe their ideas, beliefs, and values about teaching and learning (1999).”  As an educator, I strive daily to be an exemplary teacher therefore; I have developed the following mission statement.

Mission Statement

    As an educator of diverse young children, it is my responsibility to create an effective and safe learning environment where students can learn without fear of failure.  It is my mission to introduce a basic understanding of technology as a tool of knowledge.  Each student will be encouraged to develop the skills necessary to become respected citizens and acquire a passion for lifelong learning.   

Goals

    As Frank states, an educator needs to “develop a plan of action; maintain and monitor the plan; and evaluate the plan and take action (1999).”  In order to accomplish my mission statement, I have developed five goals.  I will implement Responsive Classroom, use developmentally appropriate technology based instruction, differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, raise academic and social expectations, and continue to make learning fun and exciting.

Implement Responsive Classroom

    During the summer of 2007, I attended training on the Responsive Classroom approach.  The Responsive Classroom website declares, “The Responsive Classroom is an approach to elementary teaching that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic growth in a strong and safe school community. The goal is to enable optimal student learning. Created by classroom teachers and backed by evidence from independent research the Responsive Classroom approach is based on the premise that children learn best when they have both academic and social-emotional skills” (http://www.responsiveclassroom.org).

    This approach has ten practices that are implemented in the classroom daily.  The ten practices are morning meeting, rule creation, interactive modeling, positive teacher language, logical consequences, guided discovery, academic choice, classroom organization, working with families, and collaborative problem solving.  I have currently implemented all practices in my classroom, and my goal is to continue to implement these practices with more efficiency.  This approach has created a safe learning environment where my students are learning without the fear of failure.  They are acquiring the skills needed to become respected citizens through morning meetings and collaborative problem solving.  Morning meetings and positive teacher language will allow a safe learning environment to develop. 

Use Developmentally Appropriate Technology Based Instruction

    In order to prepare my students for the future, I will use developmentally appropriate (DAP) technology based instruction.  I currently take my students to computer lab once a week, have a computer center with five computers that have DAP websites bookmarked, develop interactive power point presentations, and employ Classroom Performance System (CPS) when available.  Through Walden University and professional development opportunities, I studied the implementation of technology in the classroom.  This will not only introduce a basic understanding of technology as a tool of knowledge, but allow my students to acquire a passion for lifelong learning.

Differentiate Instruction to Meet the Needs of All Learners

    Teaching diverse learners becomes a daily challenge.  I will continue to use small groups during reading, and small groups when needed in math.  This will help all young students become successful in the two subjects that are the foundation for learning.  I implement Academic Choice during the school day.  Academic Choice is based on Multiple Intelligences and will allows me to create an effective learning environment where students enjoy learning and in return will become lifelong learners. 

Raise Academic and Social Expectations

    All students have the ability to learn and develop a passion for learning, so I am going to raise my academic expectations.  I will begin excepting only 80% or better on all work.  If a student receives below 80%, I will have the student re-work the assignment.  I will also conference with the student to ensure proficiency on the skill practiced.   

Continue to Make Learning Fun and Exciting

    Making learning fun and exciting is my strength.  I will continue to make lessons interactive and meaningful.  Students want to know why they have to learn a skill and when they will use the skill.  I strive to make every lesson relate to life on their level.  I currently promote excitement in all subject areas.  There is never a dull moment in our classroom. 

Closing

    Nieto states in What Keeps Teachers Going?, “What teachers do and say may stay with their students for a lifetime (2003).” The above mission statement reflects my current educational philosophy, values, and beliefs.  Therefore, it is necessary to reflect upon current and future professional experiences and adapt this mission statement and my professional goals accordingly.

 

 References

Frank, P. (1999).  Becoming a reflective teacher:  Define your teaching goals and continue to

    reevaluate them.  ASCD Catalyst.  Retrieved May 24, 2007, from

    http://www.nea.org/teachexperience/tresk030605.html?mode=print

 

Nieto, S. (2003).  What keeps teachers going?  New York:  Teachers College Press.