I have shared previously with the community that I am an Elementary School Teacher. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to share my “Philosophy of Education”. I wrote what I am about to share for an assignment over twenty years ago in Graduate School. I found this document when I was trying to decide if I should run for the Board of Education. I found it interesting that I did not change a word of it and that the paper still exemplifies my thoughts about being a teacher and my philosophy of Education today.

 

“When a person is knowledgeable about their surroundings their ability to absorb and interact with the world is more meaningful. The experiences a person will have in their lifetime become more meaningful when the person is capable of relating to the world through different dynamics. The exposure of a person to literature, sciences, mathemantics, arts, music, theater, nature, etc. inevitably enhances the understanding a person possesses of the world around them. It is in relation to the enhancement of knowledge that I believe one of the most important gifts a human being can receive is the opportunity for a good education.

 

In order to provide a quality education an educator must possess a love of learning. If an educator possesses a joy for learning they will act as a good role model and provide an atmosphere within their classroom that stimulates the students. A child must have this environment in order to feel challenged to listen, participate, and inevitably learn. Every child has the capacity to learn and it is an educator’s responsibility to find the correct technique in order to reach each individual student.

 

Prior to becoming a teacher I was advertising. I would have, at that time, defined teaching as the fundamental concept of transferring knowledge that is known to the teacher to the student. I realize now, after three years of teaching first grade, that although the material is important, teaching encompasses so much more. A teacher must realize that a young child possesses an innocence that must be protected and an eagerness that must be nourished. In order to accomplish this a teacher must provide an atmosphere within the classroom that allows a child to feel protected, respected, encouraged and cared for. Only then, can a teacher define the expectations and set the necessary realistic goals for the children to experience challenges and ultimately success. It is only when a child feels comfortable and competent that an educator can transfer their knowledge.

 

In addition to the feasible positives of being knowledgeable, a person’s actual level of acquired education opens additional doors to more life experiences. Specifically, in a society, based on competitive and capitalist goals a person regardless of their background may acquire, with a good education, a good job, which in turn provides the “means” for more meaningful life experiences.”

 

In my opinion, our teachers epitomize the ideals represented in the philosophy of education that I have provided. I would like to take this opportunity to stress once again how truly grateful I am to be raising my children in this District.