My Philosophy of Education

Our world is always evolving and changing and that leads to evolving
education. The life of a middle school student is different than it was 20 years ago,
even five years ago. Its important to teach students knowledge and skills but how
students apply them to their lives keeps changing. The application of information is
crucial in students being productive members of our society.
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. John Dewey
The purpose of education is:
o To prepare students to be productive citizens. It is important that students
are positively impacting the world around them and education needs to show
them how to do that.
o To teach students how to be dynamic thinkers. Education needs to challenge
students mentally and help them be creative.
o To acknowledge that all students can learn. Education needs to include
differentiated instruction so all students can grow and succeed to the best of
their ability.
The role of the student in education is:
o To develop new ideas. Students should use education to grow as learners.
o To put forth their best effort and be an active learner that participates in the
classroom.
o To be responsible, prepared, and respectful of others. Students need to make
their own contributions to having a positive learning environment by being
respectful of others. Students also need to be prepared for class so that they
can learn to the best of their ability.
The role of the teacher in education is:
o To be the facilitator of the classroom. The teacher should provide the
activities of the day and use questioning techniques to make sure students
understand material.
o To provide a safe, nonthreatening learning environment.
o To design curriculum and activities around student interest and create
interesting and dynamic lessons that provide hands-on activities. Its
important to keep the students engaged in learning.
o To provide differentiated instruction to meet all the students needs.
o To have student lead activities where students can discover new insights on
their own with the facilitation of the teacher.
o To be a leader in the classroom, school, and community.
o To always continue to seek professional growth. It is important that teachers
are up to date on the newest teaching and learning strategies.

o To communicate effectively with parents on student progress and about

what they can do to provide instruction at home.
The role of the teacher in the community is:
o To be a good role model for students through behavior and actions. Teachers
should hold themselves to a high standard and always act appropriately.
o To be an active member of society by being involved in community events.
Teachers should always support students in their activities.
o To provide field trips and to bring in speakers from the community to
provide positive links between the school and community. It also allows
students to gain more knowledge about the community in which they live.
I have decided to become a teacher for these reasons:
o To shape our societys youth to become future leaders and be a positive
impact on our society.
o To help youth reach their potential and inspire them to reach their dreams.
o To be able to share my knowledge and experiences with others.
o To witness students succeed.
My philosophy aligns with progressivism in these ways:
o I believe that students learn best through making discoveries in hands-on
learning.
o The curriculum is more meaningful and beneficial to students when it is
shaped by student interest and relates to real life experiences.
o Students should progress to be better problem solvers and therefore be
productive members of our society.
The teacher gives the student the tools that they need to succeed and allows the
student to make their own discoveries. I believe that the teacher needs to provide
real life and hands-on learning for students. Students should be able to see the
application of material in their lives. This is how I believe students learn best by
doing it themselves. Is a lecture about the importance of service more memorable
than having students go out and provide service to the community? Learning is
active.