Professional Philosophy Statement

Matthew Schneiderman

As a professional educator, I believe that each student is a unique person with different needs and desires. It is up to the educator to provide a safe opportunity for these students to get the most out of the educational opportunities. I will provide a stimulating environment where students feel comfortable in exploring new ideas and concepts. As the instructor I will guide students to examine and explore the information in an environment that exemplifies respect for each other.

Student participation and curiosity is an important part of education. It is my belief that a classroom where students can engage in dialog utilizing problem solving skills and a higher order of thinking will allow them an opportunity to expand on the curiosity they have for the subject and develop social skills during the process.  Providing hands on activities provides the students to show mastery of the content rather than just a memorization of the material. Application is where students will participate and connect their curiosity to knowledge.

All people are students and all students are people. Each person is a lifelong learner. I continually learn new information about my field and other topics of interest. This is the curiosity that invokes all of us to seek new information. This allows me the opportunity to grow and challenge myself to reach higher goals. In turn this growth and continued curiosity sets an example for my students that learning is lifelong.

In the end, education is really about the student and the knowledge, skills, and ability which he or she develops in the classroom or laboratory.  Education is more than mastering a subject, it is becoming a well-rounded citizen that can function in society and be a positive influence on others.