Philosophy of Education
Everyone deserves the chance to be successful. Teachers have the opportunity to
influence hundreds of individuals to find their purpose. Whether the students are within the
general education population or have a disability, it should not affect a teachers ability to make a
lasting impact on each and every students path that we cross. Schools have the power to create
change between individuals, communities, and society, but it can only be accomplished if there is
mutual respect between one teacher and her students.
The purpose of education is to spread knowledge to a group of people that will empower
them to grow and become active and successful members of society. Teachers must instruct
students through grade level content standards and work to enhance growth in each person in the
classroom daily. But the standards can be presented in a multitude of ways. For example,
teaching second graders to identify public issues in the local community that influence the daily
lives of its citizens does not have to be achieved within the classroom. Presenting information in
real-life situations will increase each students understanding of why these concepts are
important and encourage application. Instead of delivering information from the book, an
outstanding teacher will expand students horizons and teach beyond the expected. Utilizing the
philosophical approaches of reconstructionism, existentialism, and progressivism, I will provide
my students with authentic-based instruction.
From a young age, children should be taught that life exists in diverse forms and people
around the world learn to do what they can with what they have. In my classroom, we will all
remember that everyone needs help sometimes even if they do not ask for it. I feel if the students
are taught in different styles than the potential for success will increase. Through modeling,
discussions, videos, field trips, and classroom activities, I hope to spread awareness of diversity
in my classroom. I want my students to understand the differences that occur between people and
in places around the world. From food to religion to politics, our beliefs and ideas are different.
Our differences do not define who we are, but create a beautiful uniqueness that separates culture
and builds learning experiences. My wish is that my future students look at each other as equal,
yet see beauty in each others unique qualities.
Children pay attention to things that interest them. To know what interests the students
means it is vital to understand the audience. Developing relationships with the students is the
most important part of education. Students will give their teacher respect the moment that their
teachers offers his/her students respect. It is important in classroom management to not belittle
the audience because learning should be a collaborative experience. A teacher should never
discourage whole-group discussion, but instead become a facilitator so all of the students have a
chance to express what they believe is important in a safe and guided environment. Every day I
will be an advocate for my students and encourage them to find their voice. Providing students
with different opportunities to discover their passion and their purpose will increase their selfdetermination and leadership skills, which produce extremely long-term benefits.
Assessments are important in the process of checking understanding of topics of
information, but that they can be administered in different ways. Formal tests may be the most
common form of assessment, but I believe written responses and oral communication are
equally, if not more effective. I am an avid believer that tests are not for everyone, so I will
implement different ways for the students to communicate their knowledge of information.
I want to design my curriculum around the needs of my students. I am going to teach the
students enough information for them to be successful on the required topic, but still taking it
above and beyond so they are able to apply it to real life situations. There must be genuine value
in our lessons, assignments, and assessments or we are wasting time and energy that could be
applied toward something more critical. If something I am teaching is more challenging and
offers more depth and creates more engagement, we will spend more time on it. My obligation is
to lead, guide, and support my students through an authentic and invaluable education.
