My Philosophy Of Education As An Educator

Through the classes I have taken at Wilmington University and my experiences in the classroom, I have developed a personal teaching philosophy that will be implemented into my future classrooms. I chose the teaching profession because I understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with teaching young minds. Children are our future and I am confident in my ability to help students reach their potential both inside and outside of the classroom.

Currently, I am responsible for managing the science instructional programs and personnel in a chartered middle school. As a supervisor for the department, I develop/source curriculum materials for teachers and collaborate with them to plan and implement instructional lessons daily. I manage the financial resources for the department and constantly monitor the teaching practices that will impact our organizational goal and vision.

The definition of curriculum can be as mysterious as the curriculum itself. Oliva (2013) described the hunt for the curriculum as being similar to “efforts to track down Bigfoot, the Bear Lake Monster, [and] the Florida Everglades Skunk Ape …” (pg. 2). All of these elusive beings have left tracks, yet there isn’t a single photograph to prove their existence—just like there isn’t one tangible definition for curriculum. Sure, there’s a binder labeled “curriculum,” but that doesn’t mean it’s merely a set of plans. Initially, I believed the curriculum to be something elusive; I loosely interpreted it as the information that should be taught in a given subject and the corresponding objectives or learning intentions. I believed that the “curriculum [could] be conceived in a narrow way as subjects taught (Oliva, 2013, pg. 3). What I was unaware of was the interdependency of curriculum and instruction. I learned that the curriculum is just as reliant on instruction as instruction is on the curriculum. One is “the what” while the other is “the how.” Now, I view the curriculum as more than just a framework of content and standards. It includes “all the experiences that the learner encounters under the direction of the school” (Oliva, 2013, pg. 7). The curriculum is transient. It can be molded, shaped, and restructured to meet the needs of the children

Teaching is rough, as rough as the seas on a stormy night, and calm, like that after a storm. To be prepared for all cases a teacher must have a detailed guideline and understanding of their own response and what they deem best. In creating such a resource now, before diving into a classroom, a teacher can have time to develop and broaden their philosophy of teaching—be prepared before they take that fatal plunge. So, in order to be best prepared for my future endeavors as an educator, I believe it is in my best interest to lay out a personal philosophy of education—a lay out that will aid me in times of need and a way to gauge change, progress, and growth through my Simpson College career. In doing so I will be prepared to be the best

Teaching, or empowering young minds is a task that cannot be taken lightly. It is full of challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities. However, it is a task that is also full of adventure, wonder, and gratification. I strongly believe that all children are capable of learning, if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers. All students deserve my time and full attention in regards to their education. One must create a classroom that is a safe learning environment for all. If students do not feel safe in my classroom, whether it is emotionally, physically, or socially, their defense systems will go up and learning will greatly decrease, if not shut down all together. It is important to me that my students, as well as their parents, other teachers, administrators, and people in the community, see me as someone they can approach, who will be fair and nondiscriminatory

I believe the purpose of school is learning, but learning in a way that engages the students and helps them find ways to apply their knowledge in life. The best way to help students learn is to have the best teachers. I believe the best teachers come from those who constantly strive; to be their best, to inspire, to motivate, to help children/students, and to make a difference. I want to make a difference and I want to take part in helping to educate the future generations. To achieve this, I must focus on what it means to be to be teacher in my eyes, what my values and philosophies are, and how I want my classroom to feel, and remain true to these ideas.

In the words Ivan Welton Fitzwater, “the future of the world is in my classroom today”. I cannot think of a more accurate nor humbling statement when it comes to teaching. As an educator, it is completely inevitable not to reach at least one student in your classroom. However, I believe that many do not realize how great of an impact our teachers make for our children daily. What many do not realize is that the teacher’s attitude about learning has a much more significant impression on now the child feels about it than anything else. I am a strong believer in doing what it takes to show a child the value and sheer enjoyment of learning. As a child growing up in the public-school system, I have witnessed encouraging and inspiring experiences with teachers as well as unpleasant. Now that I am older, seeing these same behavioral issues and patterns have really opened my eyes as to how much the teacher’s approach sets the tone for the upcoming lesson.

Becoming a teacher is not always easy, but understanding my philosophy and where it comes from is something I value very much. Within this paper I will discuss the content, methodology, role of the learner, and the role of the educator and how my philosophy plays a role in each of these areas. Although, there are many different viewpoints, I would like to help others understand my own beliefs and attitude upon how history has shaped where things are today.

All students can learn no matter what age or disability. The purpose of education is for students to learn and be taught information they will need for success. It is to help them strive forward to reach their goals and dreams in the future. Also it is for teachers to address all of the learning abilities and needs in the classroom.

As I progress in my undergraduate studies, I find myself growing an appreciation for education and lifelong learning. I did not always know that I wanted to be an educator and perhaps I did not initially choose this path for the right reasons, but throughout this process, I have found that I have had a change in the source of my motivation. When I first stepped foot into the classroom as an educator, I was intimidated, I was nervous, and I had doubts in my decision to spend the rest of my life standing in front of a classroom, teaching a room full of children. It was not until I was able to make a connection with each of the students that I began to realize that teaching is so much more than being an instructor. Teachers are an inspiration; teachers are supportive; they are a positive influence, an academic advisor, a life coach, and are encouraging; teachers are not just an instructor. Through my various field placements at Newcomer Academy, Louis E. Dieruff High School, and Southern Lehigh High School, including my teaching experience at Lehigh Valley Summerbridge, I have established a desire to teach a diverse group of students from various economic and cultural backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is developed to foster an environment that supports these types of learners.

The purpose of education is to help build young students into productive citizens. College is not for everyone, but everyone deserves to get the tools necessary in K-12 to make well-rounded decisions as an adult. I believe that in order for every student to get these tools, there must be diverse teaching strategies in all classrooms. Every student learns differently, and each student should be given a fair chance to learn and succeed. I firmly believe in LRE’s, and I like to make sure that each student with a disability is given the best chance to grow. Most importantly, it is my goal to make sure that each student is in a safe learning environment by using classroom management and organization. Educating children is more than just a job; it is a life style. If the teacher only treats education like it is a job, that teacher will hinder the success of that child in the future.

The meaning of education is different for everybody. The dictionary defines education as the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge (Dictionary). For me, in wanting to be a Math teacher, education is far more as it is unique in not only acquiring knowledge, but also in developing human interaction/ relationships and individual beliefs. I believe that motivation and pushing students to reach their full potential is essential. This can be done by first establishing a secure and stimulating environment where I and the student can learn, grow, and mature. At the core of education is establishing a relationship with the students in a way that promotes and increases learning. These relationships require respect on both sides and is necessary for the relationship to positively thrive. It is also important to me that students take an interest in the actual content and subject of their liking, rather than focus only on achieving a certain grade. Education is full of obstacles and challenges; however, it comes with excitement and benefits that I hope students can experience.

My philosophy of education has changed over the years of teaching to what I belief today. My belief of education is to focus on construct knowledge and personal experiences. As an educator, I try and encourage students to discover principles themselves. Numerous scholars have described education as being the key to a prosperous life. The most successful people are believed to be once behind a desk in elementary schools as teachers instill knowledge in them. With a right learning attitude and learning environment, students tend to strive for their education. As an educator, this is my philosophy of education and how it shapes my development in my career concerning the K-12 classroom.

Every teacher has their own way of teaching, which reflects back to the philosophy they believe in. As a future educator, my goal is to educate the student in ways they have not been taught before. Over time students come across teachers who generally do not care and just do it for the money and time off in the summer. When a student has a teacher who makes a difference in their life, it is very rewarding for both the teacher and student. In class we received a philosophical self-inventory. After grading these statements I have come to the conclusion that my philosophy is Progressivism.

The learning experience should be that of a collective nature where students are able to indiscriminately relate to the information, re-teach the information and have a balanced incorporation of all the learning centers in society; including the home and the church. The goal of this incorporation is to create a balanced learning environment that facilitates holistic development in the young mind. As professionals entrusted with the shaping of young minds, teachers must facilitate learning and personal, spiritual, ethical and academic development. My philosophy for education is a multi-part philosophy that encapsulates the idea of holistic and inclusive learning. The philosophy caters for the overall shaping and development of the young mind and includes aspects of balanced training, incorporated teachings and it generally focuses on training students to become teachers.