What do you do if you want to effectively convey your educational philosophy in an interview?

Sharpening and articulating an educational philosophy (or any philosophical outlook for that matter) is challenging work. To sharpen your thinking and find the words you need, find a respected colleague and peer to be your sounding board. Let them ask you questions. Let them challenge your assumptions. Stand your ground and find your supporting evidence if necessary. Work with each other to bring your philosophical vision into focus.

Central to my approach is a profound dedication to understanding and accepting each child at their unique level. Cultivating an environment that values and supports emotional intelligence. I aim to instill confidence and resilience in each child I work with.

The more you say, the less people remember. Get to the soul of your philosophy through concise principles, and then unfold those principles in practice through the story of a personal experience that proved the principle to you and why you stand behind it.

If you are aware of your core values, being concise will be much easier. Take time to assess these values and you will speak with brevity and authenticity.

I often told my literature students, "You can kill the soul of the best writing by reading it poorly. It takes guts to read something out loud with passion and effort required to actually convey the emotional meaning of a sentence. Be brave!" The same applies here. Not that you need to put on a show, but if you really care about your guiding principles take the time to ensure you know how to deliver that idea with clarity and courage, both in word and in voice.

The strongest point I would make is that learning is not a chore, and that learning should be fun. While it is true that professors will have their expectations for student performance, it has been my experience on both sides of the podium that the classes where the students had fun and laughs are also the same courses where students retained the information much longer, and were ultimately successful. For me, learning and fun are not mutually exclusive options; they work very well together.

My philosophy would be to take one small step at a time, until you get to know your learners - then differentiate. Cater for all styles of learning. Don't overload those who need scaffolding. Don't hold back the learners who can soar... often out of your hands to another mentor. Be grateful for the priviledge of being a teacher, and have fun.

During an interview, when asked about my educational philosophy, I believe providing examples is pivotal. For instance, I could illustrate my belief in hands-on learning by describing a science lesson where students conducted experiments rather than passively absorbing information. Furthermore, sharing how I incorporate technology, such as virtual field trips, can showcase my commitment to engaging students in diverse ways. Ultimately, examples breathe life into theoretical concepts, allowing interviewers to grasp the practical applications of my educational philosophy.

Your educational philosophy is your North Star. It's your second nature response to a student-centered approach to ensuring that all your students thrive. One must be their authentic self and have a heart for student learning. Growth mindset. Safety of your students is always a primary concern! Students will tell you years later the positive impact you made.

An Educational Philisophy needs to come from lived experience. It is phrases that have evolved from the challenges you have faced and managed to deal with morally and legally. ☆Education is a lived experience everyday.☆