Teaching Philosophy

Here are two ideas I want to develop for my teaching philosophy.

The first is a quote I saw in an article about people who loose their jobs and are forced into second careers. Even though I do not fit that category, as a person seeking a second career, the article was interesting. But, the quote is really appicable to anyone:
"Ask yourself, What are my strengths, my passions? Where do they meet?"

I think teaching is where my strengths and passions meet. Just food for thought - strengths and passions.

The second idea is Kansas State Coach Bill Snyder's philosophy of 'get a little better every day'. This is such a powerful tool - to keep the momentum moving always forward. To not let it be overwhelming that you must accomplish it all at once, but in small bits. I think this could apply to students in a real and helpful way. And, of course, the success Bill had with this cannot be overstated. He took a team that was truly the worst football team ever and took them to the precipice of a national championship. He did this, not by having that national championship as his goal, but by convincing the athletes to get a little better every day. And they believed he would help them do that. What a powerful way to live - each day little better than the previous one. If we have this expectation of ourselves and our students - we will both be successful.

I know I will continue to develop my philosophy - I just wanted to get these ideas down.