Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
P.O. Box 27568
GMF
Barrigada, Guam 96921
ph: 671-789-0750
fax: 671-789-0752
mnrivera
My Teaching Philosophy:
I firmly believe that by taking care of and teaching our young children effectively in the beginning years of their life, we can lead them in the right path of a successful future. After all, it has been widely proven that the first years of a person's life is the most influential.
Moreover, I have an avid interest in the growth and development of young children. I also enjoy reading to them, teaching them colors and numbers, and many other activities that help children learn. From experience, I know that being a parent isn't always easy. But I also know that if a young child learns to think positive and is interested in school, he or she will achieve academic success. I want to teach our young children to achieve academic success, just as I have taught my children and have achieved myself. I have always had a genuine love to help others succeed in life. Indeed, I want to teach our young children to bring out the talents in themselves and share it with others. And there is no better reward than knowing that others have succeeded because of your educational efforts to help them.
My philosophy of education is one that is child centered. After all, meeting the needs of the child for the interest of what is best for the child is what effective education is all about.
I believe that educators are unique and dedicated individuals who believe in the potential of children and who will not give up on them. Through all the trials and tribulations that educators may encounter, such as dealing with temper tantrums, behavior problems, etc., the best teachers always seem to shine through and will have touched the lives of many children, giving the children the disposition that learning is fun. These teachers continue to teach not simply for earning a living, but more importantly because they are interested in the prosperous progress and development of the children. With this in mind, it is no wonder why such teachers continue on, especially when they are appreciated by the students themselves.
Moreover, I believe that education is not one that is solely content-based. Rather, it is child centered and involves active learning. It involves a child's active involvement in learning and experiencing new things, and of socializing and learning from other children. It is one whereby the teacher acts as a negotiator among the students.
More importantly, education is ensuring that the whole child -- social, emotional, cognitive, physical -- is considered when planning one's curriculum. The curriculum is one that is child centered and involves both integrated instruction and systematic instruction. There is a need for integrated instruction involving thematic units because it involves subjects that interest children, such as dinosaurs. There is also a need for systematic instruction to ensure that specific skills, such as learning the alphabet, are taught and to ensure that the child practices such skills. I implement both integrated and systematic instruction, changing my curriculum if necessary to meet the needs of my children, such as when a teachable moment occurs.
In essence, I would like to emphasize that the goal of education is to teach our children in such a way that they learn specific skills needed for life, but that they do so in a fun way. And I can't say enough of how a teacher's attitude towards her students can greatly impact children. We need to be caring, love teaching, be creative, be sincere, be strong, be patient, believe in our students' abilities, and to don't give up, because the children need us. Only when we can honestly say that we will be there for the children and guide them through both good and bad times can we truly say that we have made a difference in their lives.
"It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. Choose wisely."
-Tony Robbins
P.O. Box 27568
GMF
Barrigada, Guam 96921
ph: 671-789-0750
fax: 671-789-0752
mnrivera