My Philosophy of Education

My philosophy stems from the core beliefs of the Leader in Me by Stephen R. Covey and West Virginia
State Universitys Department of Educations Conceptual Framework: Teacher as H.U.M.A.N Developer.
The key domains of the conceptual framework that support the departments mission and vision are
as follows:
H- Holistically approaches student learning
U- Understands diversity
M- Manages and creates learning communities
A- Assesses student learning based on national and state standards
N- Newer approaches to students learning through technology.
Conceptual Framework Dispositions:
Student Focused Educator Future teachers must have the needs, self-esteem,
safety, and future success of their students as their highest priority. This disposition is
the essence of the total conceptual framework of Teacher as HUMAN Developer at
West Virginia State University.
Role Model - Future teachers should model in this preparation program the behaviors
they will be expecting from their public school students.
Member of a Profession - Future teachers must see themselves as a member of a
faculty, community, school district, state and national educational learning system.

I believe that every child can learn, and even at an early age, it has to be desired. If someone wants
to be educated, they will go far in life. People have a desire within to educate themselves. That desire
is inherited, learned, or developed over time. For children to learning, they must be in an
environment that gives them a peace of mind. Having a peace of mind comes from the results of four
basic being met:
Physical: safety, good health, food, exercise, shelter, and hygiene
Social-emotional: acceptance, kindness, friendship, the desire to love and to be loved
Mental: intellectual growth, creativity, and stimulating challenges
Spiritual: contribution, meaning, and uniqueness
Since not all four of these needs are met in every home, many students come to school hungry for
them- in some cases, practically starving. Connectedness is a critical factor in student achievement.
When students do not feel socially or emotionally connected to school, the chances of them doing
well diminish rapidly. Because of this, it is important to be someone a student can trust and turn to
for help.
Too many young people lose a lot of their spirt before they leave the school system. It is a tough
world that children face and we as teachers must prepare them for it. The world sprit to me means
disposition, courage, will, determination, enthusiasm, heart, inner self, and strength. I will be
devoted to teach with my spirt, in hopes that it encourages students to look into their self-worth.
Students want to feel appreciated, to grow, to have all four needs met, and to be treated as a whole
child so that they can learn. Because of these basis needs, I will be devoted to not only help students
learn, but to bring out the best in them, help them feel unique and important, and build their feelings
of self-worth.
I believe that children deserve an education that is going to teach them how to be a leader, so that
they can be prepared for the 21
st
Century. Alongside the core curriculum, I want to teach my students
life and career skills such as accountability, adaptability, people skills, self-direction, initiative, and
responsibility. I also want to teach them learning and innovation skills such as critical thinking,
problem solving, communication, creativity, and collaboration. Students also need to learn
technology skills, such as computer literacy, media awareness, and information management.
Throughout my classroom and instruction, I will teach and implement the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to
my students. The 7 Habits of Happy Kids were derived from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by
Stephen R. Covey. These will be used as a framework for their learning and as reinforcement. The 7
Habits include:
Habit 1: Be Proactive: I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I chose my actions, attitudes, and
moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even
when no one is looking.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind: I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and
make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my schools mission
and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3: Put First Things First: I spend time on things that are most important. This means I say no to
things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplines
and organized.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others
want. I make deposits in others Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third
alternatives.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: I listen to other peoples ideas and
feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am
confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
Habit 6: Synergize: I value other peoples strengths and learn from them. I get along well with
others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other peoples ideas
to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than
anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw: I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend
time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find
meaningful ways to help others.