Mr. Koe's Classroom
Please check out the Blog to learn about what's going on in class today and to find assignments!
Philosophy Statements
Transformational
I believe that just as our footprints transform the landscape upon which we hike, so too does our education transform us. The students who come into my class, should transform during the course of the year; academically, socially, and personally.
To Do This...
I will stay informed as an educator on current practices and assessment models. I will collaborate with my colleagues to assist in creating engaging content for my class. I will give opportunities to my students to explore and challenge their thinking and beliefs.
Relational
I believe that just as a person on a hike builds a strong relationship with nature, so too must we as educators foster a strong relationship with our students and their parents.
Safety
I believe that just as you bring along with you a flashlight, rope, food, water, and a first aid-kit on a hike to keep you safe, so too should we ensure that our classrooms are places of safety.
To Do This...
I will ensure that my classroom is a place where students can feel safe to explore their opinions, values, beliefs, and identities, outside of criticism, hate, and bullying. To do this I will be transparent with my students about my expectations of our classroom. I will invite them to be open with me in creating a safe place filled with values and hopes that we jointly share.
To Do This...
I will allocate classroom time to gaining knowledge of my students interests and hobbies. I will give them activities that allow them to explore their own identity. I will attend school and community events. I will e-mail and contact parents of my students to inform them about classroom activities, projects, and up-coming tests, as well as to highlight the achievements of their child.
To Do This...
To do this I will seek constructive criticism from my peers in order to adapt my lessons to the needs of my students. I will immerse myself in my content to fully understand the events that have transpired in the past and how they effect us today.
Reflectionary
I believe that just as a person must know the length of the hike, the trail conditions, the landscape and fauna, so too must we as educators understand ourselves, our students, & our content. To this extent it is imperative that I become a reflective
practitioner. That I constantly am examining my activities, lesson plans, to ensure that they are meeting the individual needs of my students.