Teaching Philosophy
Idiom: Keep your options open
Idiom Definitions for 'Keep your options open'
If someone's keeping their options open, they are not going to restrict themselves or rule out any possible course of action
Life is full of ups and downs, a journey that is made up of corners and stop signs where you have to make that decision of which road to travel down next, not knowing if you have made the right choice. This makes life scary, lonesome, and exciting all at the same time. Life gives you obstacles to jump over and self-achievements that no one can take away from you. My father’s theory on life, which he instilled in me, is to ‘keep your options open’. Do not limit yourself in decision making; keep one’s self open to a world of possibilities.
My world of possibilities has not always been easy to reach. At the age of nine, I was tested for Dyslexia. I could not spell like the other children in class. I knew I was not normal, but I could visually communicate my ideas. It was a confusing time at first to go from one world of not knowing and slowly, through a private tutor, discovering a completely new world that everyone else knew. I still to this day remember and put into practice the rules on vowels that my tutor taught me. My dyslexia to me is not a disability, it is a blessing. Without it, I would not have overcome challenges, discovered scary new things, expanded my creative vision, progressed and developed. The word Dyslexia describes a different kind of mind, often gifted and over-productive that learns in a different way. I believe all of the attributes that come with this condition, make me a better teacher. Overcoming obstacles in one’s life gives you empathy and inside knowledge that others do not always have.
When I look back to my childhood education, the examples that I draw from are my educators. They channeled my imagination into a creative talent, guiding and inspiring me to reach goals and believe in myself. This is the kind of teacher I aspire to be. I have been sewing since I was a teenager. Once I had reached Art College, my fashion teacher triggered my interest in costume. This was the ‘light bulb moment’ when everything fit together and made sense. My imagination was in overdrive. Whole ranges of options were opened and worlds of possibilities could now be discovered.
Being artistic is wonderful. I get to see the world differently from others. My driving force is my love of my craft; it inspires me every day. My professional work in theatre and costuming has given me the flexibility to be versatile in a number of jobs. I have the desire to find a position where I can build a future career and plant roots. Obtaining my MFA places my professional career on an elevated plane that at one time, seemed unattainable.
I believe a big part of teaching is ‘leading by example’. I can only ask of my students what I am prepared to do myself. I have high standards. I want to inspire students so that they can discover their own 'light bulb moment' and motivate them to set and achieve their own goals. I want them to possess the knowledge and confidence to make smart, educated decisions.