Personal and Professional Values That Guide Me as an Instructor

-

As a trades instructor, my teaching philosophy is shaped by values that foster engagement, trust, and lifelong learning. My goal is to create an inclusive, practical, and responsive learning environment.



Personal Values

  1. Integrity – Modeling honesty and ethical behavior, admitting when I don’t have all the answers.

  2. Empathy – Understanding student challenges and creating a supportive space.

  3. Respect – Valuing diverse experiences and fostering open communication.

  4. Commitment to Growth – Embracing continuous learning for both myself and my students.


Professional Values

  1. Student-Centered Learning – Prioritizing engagement and active participation.

  2. Practical Application – Ensuring lessons connect to real-world scenarios.

  3. Equity and Inclusion – Removing barriers and accommodating diverse learning styles.

  4. Adaptability – Staying current with industry advancements.


Inspired by Stephen Brookfield’s The Skillful Teacher, I have developed my own truths of teaching that guide my practice: 

  1. Teaching Requires Reflection – Constantly assessing and improving strategies.

  2. Learning is Shared – Encouraging student autonomy fosters motivation.

  3. Mistakes Are Learning Opportunities – A safe space for errors enhances critical thinking.

  4. Trust is Essential – Building rapport strengthens student engagement and success.


By following these values, I create a learning space that is interactive, welcoming, and practical. I support students in asking questions, engaging in discussions, and taking charge of their learning. Everyone has an equal chance to succeed, no matter their background.

Hands-on experiences make lessons more relevant to real-world jobs. In the end, this approach builds both essential skills and the confidence needed for career success.


Nor-Mali-ity in the Workplace © 2025 by MKos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Catching, Not Teaching: How Students Will Experience Assessment As Learning - PIDP 3351

-
Image
In this post, I want to talk share how I’ll be building my learning environment in a way that helps students  experience   Assessment  of ,  for , or  as  Learning  ideas first-hand. Because here’s the thing: ownership of learning can’t be handed to anyone in a lecture. It’s something you feel when the conditions are right—when the learning becomes yours (Earl, 2013). You’ll Catch the Shift When... Here’s how I’m shaping my class so students begin to naturally shift from doing the work for a grade to doing it for their growth : 1. They’ll Set the Bar, Not Just Meet It Instead of me telling students what “good” looks like all the time, they’ll work with examples, create their own success criteria, and revisit their goals. In my  Effective Meal Planning course, for example, they’ll co-create a checklist with their team based on what they  think makes a strong meal plan—not just what I think. Why? Because once you define success, yo...
Read more

Comments on Brookfield Chapter 8 (Teaching in Diverse Classrooms)

-
Image
  In The Skillful Teacher , Brookfield (2015) emphasizes the importance of teaching in diverse classrooms. Students come from different backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles, so educators must recognize and respond to these differences. Effective teaching involves acknowledging personal biases, fostering open discussions, and adapting instructional strategies to support all learners. Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment helps students feel valued and engaged. Application in Adult Trades Training As an adult trades instructor, I can apply Brookfield’s ideas by: Recognizing diverse backgrounds – Adult learners bring varied work experiences, skill levels, and learning preferences. I can adapt my teaching to meet their needs. Encouraging open discussions – Creating a space where students share experiences can enhance learning and build confidence. Using multiple teaching methods – Combining hands-on practice, visual aids, and real-world examples ensures all ...
Read more