My basic teaching philosophy comes as a result of things I have learned from several of my classes.  I've learned that the way I see myself teaching is more of a Constructive type.  How would a constructive teacher teach?  It is interesting to note that even though constructivism puts the learner at the center of the educational stage there still needs to be norms established that make the classroom a safe and orderly place to be.  That is the beauty of this philosophy because it allows for the students, guided by their teacher, to voice their own opinions of what kind of rules are needed, how the classroom should run and a myriad of other decisions that must be made every day but is frequently determined solely by the teacher.  I love the quote from one of our readings written by Rheta DeVries. “Although constructivist teachers minimize the exercise of adult authority coercion in relation to children, minimize does not mean eliminate.  Rather, we strive for a balance that steadily builds the child’s regulation of his or her own behavior.”  That I believe is the key to this whole philosophy.  That children can and do learn how to make decisions, they learn to discuss problems with each other, and they become intrinsically motivated to follow the rules since they had a voice in making the rules. 
      My desire to become a teacher started because I have always loved being around young people.  I love their energy and vitality.  I love how accepting they are (okay up until fourth grade - after that then they wonder what you are up to :) I want to be a teacher because I love not only working with kids but I need variety and in a school setting life is NEVER boring!  I also still love to play and be silly.  Being around kids is the only way to get to do that!