#1

Foundations of Education 2012

Goal of Education:
My goal for my students education is for students to perform the best of their
abilities. My goal is to insure that every student learns and grows not just as a
student, but also as a person.
Role of Students:
The roles of the students are to be sponges, They are supposed to come to class
ready and eager to learn. They are supposed to ask questions, work hard, and learn
from every lesson they are taught.
Role of Teachers:
The role of the teacher is to be a team player. The purpose is for the students to have
a close relationship with their teacher, not as a superior but as a peer. They are
there to not only teach the students but to guide them into the academic path they
were meant to take. I also think that its important to have a good relationship with
my co-workers. I feel that teachers should be able to converse with each other and
give each other new ideas, for this reason I think it is important to be a classroom
supporter.
Teaching Methods:
One teaching method that I will use as a teacher is to collaborate with my students. I
think that its important as a teacher to have the students and teachers discuss
topics, ideas, and opinions. It helps people to see different view points as well as
educates communicational skills among students. I also think that I will be a teacher
who teaches by demonstrating. I think that its important that I help my students to
learn by examples and by doing. I think when students have something to see, touch,
or hear it will help them to better understand the material.

#2 Foundations of Education 2012

My philosophy is that every student, no matter what, is capable of learning.

As a teacher I will try to implement a Progressivism, Social Reconstruction approach

to every lesson that I have for my students . I feel that it is important to not only let
students question, collaborate, and form their own ideas, but to also have them
become aware of their world as a whole. I feel that in order to learn students need to
be out in the community, learning and growing with others as well as within
themselves. I feel that once students are able to see the bigger picture they will be
able to connect better with their community and the world. It is important for me as
a teacher to get them active and excited about their lives and their world. As a
teacher I will be a team player. I will not stand at the front of my class and direct my
students through the academic year. I will instead be a supporting team player in
their own path to success in school. I believe in being on the same level as my
student, listening to them, as well as being able to admit when I dont know
something. I believe that it is crucial for students to use their bodies as well as their
minds to learn. Overall I feel that with the right academic approach, whether
traditional or not, anyone can learn and succeed in life.

#3 Classroom Management 2012

When becoming a teacher it is important to know what your philosophy is on

classroom management. Classroom management is the foundation of ones class. If

one doesnt have good management your students may not be able to learn
anything. If your management is good then the classroom will be a successful place
for students to enjoy learning. It is also important to understand management is
improved over time. One should use their lessons and the mistakes they made as a
learning process to make their classroom better.

My management philosophy is that children need to be treated appropriately

based on their age. I feel that no matter what age talking to a student is much more
effective than yelling. I also feel that every student needs to understand how a
classroom should be at the beginning of the year. I do vary my discipline and reward
views based on grade level. I feel that it is important for younger students to work
towards something. It gets kids to motivated and helps give them something to look
forward to. But, I feel that older students shouldnt need these incentives. I do feel
that students should have the opportunity to talk when they have been doing
something wrong. But, I do feel that sometimes taking a break and separating
children from the situation can also be effective.

The purpose of a management plan is to form order in ones classroom. When

a classroom has the right management plan students will enjoy learning and be
successful students Management can be different to any teacher. Some teachers
have good classroom management where students not only listen to their teacher,

and get through the curriculum but also enjoy going to class. Worse forms of
management could consist of a classroom in which the teacher yells all the time and
students are unable to focus and be successful.

My philosophy is that students must be treated as individuals and not just

students. I do not believe in teaching through fear by yelling or disciplining my

students when it is not necessary. I believe that the relationship between my
students and I is a priority. Because of this philosophy I feel that writing essays or
being sent out into the hall should not be practiced. I feel that students learn best
from their mistakes when they can talk about why they did something. In the
educational system we get students ready for adulthood. Because of this I feel that
students should be treated at or above their age level. It is unnecessary to punish a
15 year old by having them go in the hall. They should have the opportunity to
express what they were doing and be treated as any adult would in the workforce.

#4 Assessment 2014

When becoming a teacher it is important to understand the importance of

assessment in the classroom. Assessments have the power to determine what a

student has learned. This in turn could determine passing a grade, what they
understand, and in some cases if they are able to graduate to the next step in the
educational career. In todays world assessments can make or break a students
academic reputation. It is essential that future teachers understand how important
assessments are in a students life.

I believe that assessments should be a positive opportunity for students to

show what they have learned. I believe that assessments should fit the students
strengths instead of what the teacher prefers. I believe that in todays world we are
setting students up to fail. Where has the focus of education gone? Why are we not
focusing on creating knowledge, students, and respectful/successful adults? The
focus needs to change. Teachers need to change. When we start teaching to make
our students successful we will become successful as well. Teachers are giving
students assessments that do not match how the student learns and this in turn
hurts the student. Because there is so much pressure for students to pass and for
teachers to have good passing scores they are teaching to the test and not to the
curriculum. I have seen students that have great potential but because they score
low on graded assignments they are failing which leads to a hatred towards school
and learning. I believe that teachers need to improve the self-esteem of students and

help them to realize what potential they are able to reach when they are taught in a
way that works best for them.

Spring 2014
Statement of Purpose

Since I was young I always had an interest in serving others. Whether it was

making meals for families in need, working at an inner city boys and girls club in
high school, or volunteering at soup kitchens to serve people my heart has always
been with the community I was living in. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing
that I am contributing to improve the lives of those around me, and what better way
to do this than teaching? I have always wanted to teach. Teaching is a way for me to
empower the upcoming generation to be the best individuals they can be for
themselves and the world. As I have begun to work in schools I found that I was able
to help students become the most independent, successful adults they could be. I
could get them excited about learning, collaborating, asking questions, and
exploring the world around them.

I have had many opportunities to learn and grow during my time at Aquinas

and through my work experiences. It was during the opportunity to work in various
roles at Indian Trails camp that gave me the opportunity to help individuals reach
their fullest potential. It may have been as simple as helping a client increase the
distance they could walk or successfully completing a shift or session without
aggressive behavior that inspired me to continue working with the special needs
population. I have learned during these experiences that patience and being a good
listener are key to working with others, that words are not the only form of

communication, and in some cases a smile, high five, or even hug are the little things
that form human connections.

I believe that all individuals should be able to reach their full potential. I

believe that a students success should be evaluated based on realistic goals

considering their abilities.. As a future teacher I will contribute my time, patience,
hard work, and dedication to making sure that the students in my classroom will
have the opportunity to maximize their full potential. With my prior classroom and
work experience I feel I would bring my passion for hands on, creative learning into
the classroom. My goal is to consider each students learning style and provide them
with an opportunity to access curriculum and also be the best person they can be.