I believe that mathematics is misunderstood. Mathematics is not the numbers on the page, but is the ideas in our minds. Mathematics is not a series of rules, but is an approach to problem solving.
I believe that relationships are the foundation to success. Relationships motivate us to improve ourselves and reach our full potential. Relationships give meaning to our learning and bring joy to our successes.
I believe that all students are powerful. The youth in our community will be the ones to take Tucson to new heights. Our cultural knowledge is our strength, and our limits are without bounds.
-Mx. Gregory Epstein
The following statement of teaching philosophy is a distillation of my core principles and beliefs. It is meant as a representational snapshot of the values I hold and the approach I take to the teaching profession.
Standards
This statement of teaching philosophy is composed of three pillars, each of which illustrates a number of InTASC Teaching Standards. The first section speaks to the public’s misconception of the field of the mathematics and the way that I aspire to reorient students’ understanding of the disciple to focus less on tedious processes and more on the larger critical thinking elements that serve as the foundation of mathematics. The correction of misunderstandings and push for a higher level cognitive approach is in line with InTASC 1i, 4b, 4c, 4k, 5m.
The second passage in the statement highlights the importance of relationships and the way that those relationships underpin every student’s desire to seek the highest levels of achievement. This tie between relationships, motivation and achievement is aligned with InTASC 1k, 2l, 3i,9e
The final segment of my teaching philosophy statement alludes to the power our community holds by virtue of it’s diversity. The amalgamation of different individual experiences offers an invaluable asset, and respecting each student’s background is what allows us to take advantage of that opportunity. This third and final excerpt, along with the accompanying Spanish translation speaks to the InTASC standards enumerated in sections 1h, 2i, 2j, 2m, 2n, 2o, 3l 4m.