Philosophy of Education

It is my belief that learning is a life-long process that must be enjoyable and challenging.  Therefore, my main goal as an educator is to help students grow to love learning and become successful individuals and “lovers or seekers of wisdom,” which parallels the initial definition of philosophy. 

My philosophy of education is most like the progressivism theory introduced by John Dewey.  I believe that the material being taught needs to be relevant to each child’s needs and interests in order to make a connection and build on their schemata.  Therefore, the curriculum best suits the needs of the students if it is centralized around students’ experiences, interests and abilities.  It is also my belief that students learn best through hands-on projects and active interplay with others.  Student interaction is important in the classroom because it helps the students develop social skills such as cooperation and problem solving, and also makes students aware of their peers’ perspectives.  My curriculum should be diverse and expose the students to various aspects that directly and indirectly affect them.  These relationships need to be relevant and clearly identified for the students.  Students need to be looked at as individual learners in a group setting.  My instruction needs to be developmentally appropriate and fit the needs of each student.  I believe that each student has a different learning style.  Some students may have similar styles, but like snowflakes, no two will be identical.  Therefore, it is my job as the educator to be aware of these learning styles and suit my instruction to best serve the needs of all my students.  Appropriate assessment should be administered to demonstrate student learning.  If I realize my students have not met my objectives for the lesson, I need to reteach it using a different method.  During the course of the day, I also need be aware of how much academic learning time my students are engaged in.  Classroom management is my responsibility, and preparation is the key!  My goals and expectations need to be clear to my students and it is important to have their respect as a teacher. 

I have a firm belief that the parents, the child’s first teachers, are an important aspect in the child’s learning and growth.  Parents and teachers need to work together and communicate regularly with each other about the child’s progress.   I also believe that it is important to show respect to each student and his or her family.   

I believe it is important for teachers to be involved in projects and activities outside of school time.  This provides the teacher with supplementary information on the students, which will help to get to know each student on an individual level.  The teacher is also providing a good model for the students to imitate.  Demonstrating punctuality, neatness, appropriate social skills, suitable decision-making, and responsibility indirectly provide the students with life skills.  Teachers need to be aware that they are being watched at all times by the students, so thoughtful actions  are very important. 

I am a “seeker of wisdom,” and as I seek to grow and learn as an educator, my philosophy will have a direct impact on my teaching style.  Therefore, I believe it is important for me to keep an open and flexible mind to adapt to new technologies and issues.  But I believe you get out of something what you put into it, and in order for me to be the best educator I can be, I will put in all my effort, because I want my students to do the same.