Emotional and Social Learning/Teaching Philosophy

Why is it important to know the balance between task and relationship-oriented approaches?

If it skews more towards task-oriented then the students will not feel connected to you as a teacher. This may lead them to feel uncomfortable and fearful, and they also may dread going to your class giving them a negative learning experience. It makes the students think you don't truly care about them unless it comes to their grades. If it skews towards being relationship-oriented then the students will be more prone to misbehaving, and they won't learn because they see you as a friend, not a figure of authority. If there is a balance students will stay connected to the teacher, feel more comfortable, and learn in a non-disruptive environment. 

To promote social learning, students will be put into groups to create a piece using the technique learned in class at the end of each unit—groups will be randomly assigned. As part of the procedures and curriculum, students will journal how they felt about the class in the middle and after class; this will help promote emotional learning. 

Teaching Philosophy Statement:

As a dance educator with 14 years of experience and five years of teaching across multiple studios, my philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students of all ages and abilities can thrive. I tailor my teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring that each student can engage with the material in a way that resonates with them. I emphasize personal growth, creativity, and collaboration, regularly assessing student progress through both formal evaluations of thieir technique demonstrations and informal observations throughout class. I also value the involvement of parents and families, and plan to host an end-of-year banquet and performance to celebrate students' achievements and build stronger community ties.