Education Philosophy

Throughout my education journey, I have encountered professionals who focused more on the content they taught rather than the student they were teaching it to. Every individual is different and it takes a dedicated educator to cater to their students and make them successful. However, there are three basic things that every learner needs: purpose, direction, and motivation.

Many students wonder, "Why do we have to practice this skill? Why must we repeat things over and over again?” For this reason, it is important to give students the purpose of a directive. Purpose allows students to understand the relevance of a directive and helps them put it into perspective. This belief correlates with the philosophy of realism. For realists, the classroom has a highly ordered and disciplined atmosphere. Realists also encourage a "hands-on" approach and find value through experimental learning.

As educators, we spend more time with students than their families spend with them. That is why it is crucial to develop a positive rapport, understand their aspirations, and give them the best direction we can. Direction provides guidance and develops students into productive people. This takes from the philosophy of essentialism which aims to develop citizens. The idea of essentialism is that the student can function as a "teacher" and a teacher can function as a "student." Students add valuable input in the classroom and provide educators with tools to make the teaching and learning experience worthwhile. Also by involving students in the learning process, the Zone of Proximal Development can be minimized.

Personal experience has shown me that motivation can bring out the best in a person. Without certain teachers, I would not have realized that I was not maximizing my potential. For this reason, I maintain a classroom atmosphere that challenges academic resilience and student success. This philosophy is in accordance with behaviorism. In behaviorism, the teacher influences student behavior by analyzing and adjusting the learning environment. Behaviorists also believe that knowledge is observable. This theory resonates with me because behavior influence and observation are two of my personal strengths.

Realistically I know that I may not be able to "reach" every learner that I encounter. However, I will always strive to be an effective performer, reflective decision-maker, and a humanistic practitioner. I hope that my philosophy of education will create a student culture of respect and personal courage, and a staff culture of integrity and selfless service.