Karen Ginty
New Jersey Teacher of the Year
Monmouth Beach Elementary School, Monmouth Beach
Kindergarten

My teaching philosophy
My philosophy of teaching is simple and direct. All students must feel Safe, Accepted, and Involved. If these three criteria are met then Learning will occur.

The classroom must be a nurturing and secure environment, that abounds in positive feedback for all children. This ensures a sense of worthiness and self-esteem in each child. By providing a safe environment, rich with activities and infused with mutual respect and acceptance, then, and only then, will no child be left behind.

My philosophy in action
The classroom climate is energized and modeled by the teacher. Nothing can quite capture a child’s attention like the intimacy of a teacher. Touching the arm of an overactive child immediately has a calming effect. Looking into the eyes of a student while saying “Thank you for trying,” reinforces the tone that is established in a safe and caring classroom. Each child must be told daily, “I’m glad you’re here.”

I display their work not only on bulletin boards but also in the hallways, on the walls in the classroom and suspended from the ceiling. Learning occurs as the students evaluate their work – truly the teachable moment! The children become so inclusive and caring for one another that a child readily offers to make a project for an absent student.

We often role play “walking in another person’s shoes.” The class becomes cognizant of not wanting to leave anyone out.

Team-building activities, such as the welcome song and our good morning hug and hand shake circle, teach the class to work harmoniously. This instills in the class that the success of the group is dependent on the contribution of each individual. That is a mighty task for a 5 year old.

Utilizing the story, “Chrysanthemum,” I demonstrate, through the children’s participation as we pass a tissue paper heart, that saying hurtful things has a lasting impact on each individual. Just as tissue paper cannot be fully smoothed, a child’s heart retains scars from hurtful words. “Tattle Tale Tiger,” a stuffed animal, is an active member of our class. He enables the children to talk problems over with him privately rather than “tell” on a friend. It is amazing how the children have developed peacemaking skills and rely less and less on adult intervention.

A frequent phrase we use in the classroom is “share your kindness.” If you expect children to help each other then they will. I often praise the children by telling them my heart is singing.

I must be creative in addressing all the children’s learning styles as well as their cognitive abilities. As I provide for a multifaceted and multidimensional classroom, I utilize their enthusiasm, interests and need to know to recreate their thought processes and enhance the curriculum. I level activities at each center so all children have the opportunity to be successful. I believe each child has a right to learn in a style that is suitable to his needs and at a level that will provide optimum cognitive growth.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
My greatest accomplishment and contribution was supporting and eventually passing the school budget by campaigning for a full day kindergarten. Many parents sought my advice on everything from curriculum concerns to appropriate developmental practices. Once the budget passed, the superintendent engaged my expertise to design two kindergarten classrooms and write curriculum. The transition to a full-day setting was immensely successful. The room was child centered and equipped with the most innovative materials. To showcase our program, I created a power point presentation to demonstrate to the parents the positive attributes of a full-day kindergarten.

The most critical issues facing educators today
Changes to our socio-economic environment impact our public education system. The most prevalent issues that we are facing today are the No Child Left Behind legislation, inclusion, school funding and the achievement gap.

Ways to resolve these issues
Finding solutions for each issue independently is difficult. Efficiencies dictate that we must take a global view and not make decisions without respect to each of the issues. We must ask ourselves, “How does the decision we need to make today help solve, at least in part, the issues we are facing communally?”

We must pay attention to our youngest students. Preschool must be included in the public school realm. Kindergarten must be state mandated and required to be a full-day. Research suggests that children come to school ready to learn. The length of day is crucial to attaining of cognitive, social, physical and emotional benefits for the children. The investment we make today will reap great rewards tomorrow.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
The teaching profession must make a commitment to students and student learning. The teacher must adapt to an ever-changing environment. No longer is education a static model but rather a dynamic learning center which is all encompassing. Herein lies the main focus of the educator – VERSATILITY.

We are not doing our duty as teachers if we neglect change. A successful teacher will adapt to and learn from the students, and continually be abreast of new pedagogy. It is our duty as educators to make sure that the lessons we teach today will have merit tomorrow. As the world changes, so must the classroom…

One lesson every student should learn
My advice to students is to follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

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