Entry 4: Reclaiming Purpose Through Teaching Philosophy

Date: May 24, 2025
Quotation: "People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it" (Sinek, 2009).
Reference:
Sinek, S. (2009). Start with Why [TED Talk]. TEDx Puget Sound. https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

Why I Included This:
After grappling with the ethical tensions in Entry 3, Sinek’s talk brought me back to my core motivation as an educator. It reminded me that while tech, models, and systems are essential, they must serve a purpose rooted in human connection. As a LINC teacher, my "why" is centered on empowerment through language and building learners' confidence in navigating a new country.

This  helped me reassess my teaching through a motivational lens. In Entry 2, I focused on flipped learning for autonomy. In Entry 3, I considered ethics in tech adaptation. Here, I’m reconnecting those threads to ask: Are these strategies reflecting my values? Sinek’s focus on purpose helped clarify that each tech choice should align with my goal to support student agency and dignity.

I began integrating more learner stories into class discussions, affirming their experiences. I also reflected on how assessment tools (like adaptive quizzes) should not replace the affirming conversations that build trust. This marks a turning point in my teaching approach: from logistical implementation to philosophical grounding.

This entry reaffirms that teaching isn’t just about tools or strategies. It’s about intention. It’s about choosing methods that reflect my commitment to social inclusion, respect, and lifelong learning. Sinek helped me realize that purpose is my compass, especially as I navigate the fast-evolving landscape of 21st-century teaching.