My Educational Philosophy

by
Alva M. Hartry
Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to become
an educator. Along the way, I contribute my love for education
mainly to my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hardie and my 7th grade
history teacher, Mr. Burns, and my high school cheerleading
coach, Mrs. Teague. Now, I can truly say that everything that
they believed and showed throughout their teaching and leading
while educating me really had an effect on what I believe today.
Also, I can remember “playing school” with my neighborhood
friends. Of course, I was always the teacher or the boss. Through
the years, I have felt progressively more called to the education
profession. The education profession has become a means for
the greatest learning, contribution, and growth of which I am
capable. My educational philosophy finds its beginning in these
formative experiences. It is made of several linked components
representing the aspects of teaching and leading which I value
most: accountability, responsibility, accessibility, engagement,
renewal, and professionalism.
 First of all, as an educator, I believe that all students can
learn anything if placed in a positive environment. How quickly
they learn depends upon the ability of the child and the
effectiveness of the school setting. Educators must make sure
that the school’s culture is positively evident and that the school
is existing to promote learning. As the teacher, I must be
accountable for the learning of every student. In addition, I must
be aware that there is diversity within the school. As an
instructional professional, I must develop ways to reach all
students. Additionally, I must create the best possible
environment for the students and myself so that we together can
each reach the ultimate goal which is the success of student
achievement.
Furthermore, I believe teachers guide students in their
educational journey by providing direction and help in
overcoming barriers and stumbling blocks. Teachers must create
an environment that help inspires and motivates all students to
expand their horizons and challenge them to grow intellectually.
Educator must be flexible enough to adapt visions according to
the needs of the students, community, faculty, and the setting in
which the educational experience is taking place. Moreover,
they must recognize that students deserve to be treated as
individuals rather than as part of a group.
In addition, I believe that all students have a right to expect
excellence in academic instruction. As an educator, I must stress
importance of creativity and innovation, and I must view change
as a positive process that should be welcomed and supported. I
believe that creating an environment supportive of creativity is
essential in maintaining a successful environment.
More than ever, I am convinced that the difference between
a great school and a good school lies in the area of the spirit in
which teaching and learning take place. Students who are not
only productive but happy and teachers who have mastered their
subject areas and developed a passion for teaching are clear
signs of successful teaching and learning. It is important that a
spark of curiosity and a love of questioning be apparent at every
grade level. I value educators who create the environment for
the student who questions rather than the one who answers from
memory. Interdisciplinary instruction is favored so that students
may see how instruction is interrelated among the disciplines. In
today’s society, I must understand that hands-on learning with
real world applications should be valued and used where all
students can relate. An excellent school is one with an
excitement and joy of learning in the air and one that leads
students from curiosity to wisdom.
As a career teacher, I believe that creating opportunities for
renewal is essential to my longevity and continued professional
excellence. I believe in nurturing a sense of spirit through my
connections with students, faculty, and staff, through my
reflective role as a teacher leader, and through ongoing learning
associated with my all duties. I need to be someone who is
willing to listen and talk with the imaginative voices, and allow
them to be heard in the greater organization. I feel there is a
need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated teachers who are
excited about working with children. In our competitive society,
it is important for students to not only receive a solid education,
but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their
individual needs.
My educational philosophy is comparable with the
philosophy of both my personal and professional life. It affects
my attitude, effects my decisions, and directs my undertakings
with others. Also, I should serve as an example of
professionalism, which my colleagues can emulate. My actions,
speech, appearance, and values should be of the highest standard
in dealings within the educational environment. Moreover, my
impact on youth and coworkers through my years of working in
education has proven to be successful; subsequently, I believe
my philosophy is a successful method. I believe the impact that I
have made and will continue to make within the educational
community is that of good judgment, foresight, and patience that
at one time several wonderful adults, such as teachers, coaches,
and administrators, taught to me.
The most essential parts of my educational philosophy stem
from giving each child an opportunity to learn, but another key
component is compassion and belief that each child can learn.
Every child should be given equal access to information as well
as given the support and encouragement. Also, it is my job as an
educator to make sure culture is a positive one so the child will
and can learn. Moreover, my attitude and professionalism as an
educator in a school is very important. It has a direct effect on
the education of children and the moral of faculty, staff, and the
community. Also, I must remain open-minded to the ideas and
suggestions put forth by the creative individuals I work with and
work to implement ideas that can contribute to improving the
product, process, or ourselves.
As I definitely accept as true, the ultimate purpose of
education is to produce individuals who strive for excellence for
themselves, their peers, and their community. Students enter the
rest of their lives with the valuable lessons that they can make a
difference. In the final analysis, the student instilled with the
higher standards of life will take those thoughts into the larger
community and become working, productive citizens. While
teaching and educating, we all must remember; children must be
placed first in the educational process.