Educational Philosophy

Educating students is a discipline that requires plenty of self-reflection and a focus on developing yourself, your practices as well as your students in all aspects of the classroom. I believe that it is our duty as educators to continuously assess these factors and provide the resources and ourselves towards creating a healthy and progressive learning environment.

Curating this learning environment is essential in helping students feel comfortable in their learning spaces. There are a multitude of ways to motivate students to learn, however I believe the first step lies in creating meaningful relationships with students to where they want to be in the classroom, rather than feeling like they have to.

I can proudly say that I was able to exercise this practice through my residency program at the University at Buffalo, and I wholeheartedly believe that the impact left on students by being in a supportive and welcoming learning environment is truly a difference maker. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to gather student feedback on my role as an educator during my time in their classroom and share their direct responses (with permission) verbatim below!

"I really liked when you took over class on the mental health day and made it fun." - Student A

"i really want to see what kind of lessons you come up with, i know it isnt easy to come up with things that will caugth our attention and keep us engaged. but whatever you do I'm sure it'll be nice and fun and in the end what matters the most is the fact that you put effort to make and teach us lesson. some kids may not show it but we do see how much effort you put into helping us and we do appreciate it." - Student B

"You’ve been helpful throughout the time you’ve been here and helped me understand the class material better." - Student C

"I enjoyed the student-teacher interactions. I felt heard and believed in as a student." - Student D

"I enjoyed the time where the class the whole class was engaged to brainstorm ideas to use an object for multiple ways." - Student E

"I learned to not give up when work is too hard and to really use the creative side of your brain when completing tasks" - Student F

"The mental health day at school in psychology class with the games you made optional were fun & engaging." - Student G

"I enjoyed Mr. Chen's obnoxiously positive outlook and his humorous attitude in class. My favorite had to be every moment that the entire class spent with him because it's not easy picking just one." - Student H

"I believe he does great in class, being able to empathize and entertain students alongside him like a whole big family while being able to teach." - Student H

"Mr. Chen has been the most caring student teacher i’ve ever met throughout my 4 years of high school. He always knows when somethings wrong with me and always cares on what he can do to help, whether it’s education or mental health. He’s very good at getting the point across in lessons, and is always willing to do extra explaining to anybody who needs it. Thank you for everything you’ve told me this year. You’ve helped me get though some things I never thought I’d get though. Keep doing what you’re doing, good luck!" - Student I

"I wish he was our teacher for the rest of the year. He’s smart and friendly which is a really good combo and I know how hard to it is to get along with teenagers but he done a good job."  - Student J

"I love how Mr.Chen was so easy to talk to and how he always makes an effort to help everyone in class. He’s really chill and always encourages the class to pay attention and participate."  - Student K

"You brought more of a engaging experience to the classroom. I personally found you more relatable and understandable, even consistently putting up a great to have one on one talks with people during class to help us understand things better. A really funny guy, pretty chill, and could potentially be one of those chill teachers that everyone likes. You're inspirational. And you remind me that teachers are pretty chill too."  - Student L

"He’s amazing with students and gives off a positive attitude towards everyone I look forward to my class with him second period knowing I have someone who keeps me on my toes and is willing to explain/answer any questions I have the best he can"  - Student M

"You’re a very chill and social person. You’re also encouraging, I remember one time you wrote a few small notes on my short response work encouraging me and I thought it was really sweet! Thank you for that by the way! The students here including me will definitely miss you but I truly wish you well wherever you end up." - Student N