Personal Statement of Philosophy of Teaching

I am many things. A woman, wife, mother, daughter, volunteer, nurse, and teacher are my primary roles. Each of these roles is fulfilling and co-exist to define how I live my life. My life is intertwined in the lives of many others. Each has an effect on me as I also affect their lives.
Nursing is a discipline of knowledge acquired both through formal education and through life experiences. The sum of these parts continues to alter and refine my nursing. My roles outside of nursing enhance my personal knowledge which I bring to my professional life. These life experiences expose me to many cultures and attitudes about life. My spiritual self allows me to maintain my inner core of who I am in relation to others. These encounters help me to see my role as a nurse through a unique lens grounded in caring. Caring defines my life, and enhances my professional role as a teacher of nursing.
I continue to study to expand my empirical knowledge about nursing. I can only enhance my practice by continuing to learn from all aspects of life. Intentional learning through classes and reading are parts of how I learn. I also learn from remaining open to the unique expressions of others in their lives. My role as a teacher allows me to learn from my students in a reciprocal role.
My teaching role extends to all students, rather or not they are enrolled in the courses which I teach. I listen intently to the students who trust me to guide them in their knowledge development. I listen to their personal concerns and guide them so that can grow through the educational courses I facilitate. Strong communication skills increase the ability for every voice to be heard.
I do what is right because that is what I have learned throughout my life. Early in my life, I modeled those around me. Now my awareness of the ethics of our behaviors guide who I am. I have a strong sense of fairness in everything I do. That sense of fairness guides my actions.
My role as a person means I am entrusted with new knowledge development in which to grow. My role as teacher means I encourage students to take a personal responsibility in their own growth through the many venues of learning. I am responsible for helping the discipline of nursing to grow