Heather Spandau Teaching Philosophy Summary

Heather Spandau is a seventh grade social studies teacher at Gray Station Middle School in Jones County. Her teaching philosophy consists of the idea that all children can learn and building healthy relationships with students is key to being an effective teacher. She is passionate about Social Studies and determined to teach in a way that students will see the significance in the subject. Ms. Spandau expressed that the most important aspect of teaching Social Studies to middle grade students is to help them understand that they, too, can become well-rounded, successful citizens in today’s society, and can also influence others around them. Spandau feels that is extremely important to emphasize the importance of social studies to students because it is constantly present in the world around us, and also is what drives not only our society, but also the multitude of societies we as Americans associate with on a daily basis. Therefore, she finds it essential that they understand the various ethnic and religious groups and governments which exist around the world, and how they play a role in our lives today.

Spandau finds it hard for them to initially see the significance in social studies unless guided to make a connection to a person in their life or an interaction they have faced. The main goal in her lessons is to find something that students can relate to that will spark their interest and drive their focus. Spandau makes every effort to make each lesson meaningful and engaging to students. She believes that students need to be provided with lessons that not only appeal to their interests, but also peak their interest into wanting to learn something new while challenging the students to continue to inquire more information. Ultimately, if students are not interested and motivated to learn, than their engagement in the lesson is rather