Philosophy of Education

Tammy Meyers

Throughout my coursework at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

and my experience in the classroom, I have developed my own
philosophy of education that I will implement in my future classrooms;
being

reflective

educator,

maintaining

high

standard

of

professionalism, connecting with families and students, and using

assessment to guide instruction.

This philosophy will be the

framework for my career.

I believe in being a reflective educator. Reflection is necessary
for continual growth: therefore, I will reflect on daily lessons, weekly
and monthly units of study, and success and areas of concern for the
entire school year. I will constantly ask myself what went well, how
students responded various methods of instruction, and how I can
continually improve the differentiation for future lessons and units.
Reflection is an essential tool in determining student success: it will be
a part of my entire career as an educator. Even after thirty years of
teaching, I can see myself still thinking, How could that lesson be
improved?
I believe in a high standard of professionalism, and I will seize
professional growth opportunities.

This includes collaborating with

other educators, whether it be within the building, school district, or

the education field to create solutions. Teachers are learners, too and it
is important to always be growing in my knowledge and skills in order

to ensure student success. Therefore, I believe professional growth is

the key to improvement.
I believe the most impactful teachers are those whom make
connections with the families of students as well as the communities in
which they live. Communication connects families to their childs
success.

will

communication

make

these

with

parents

connections
through

by

having

weekly

frequent

newsletters,

parent/teacher conferences, notes home, and phone calls and emails

home to note student progress. These communications are not just for
times of difficulty, but can be made to share positive strides the
student has made in their learning. I will make positive phone calls
home to share student successes as well as times when they need
more support. I believe good communication ties the home with the
educational community.
I believe in the value of assessment as a powerful tool to direct
my instruction and to monitor progress.

I especially am devoted to

teaching students to monitor their own progress and continue to build

upon their personal best.

I will use multiple forms of assessment

including: portfolio, summative, authentic, and formative assessments

as well as student and teacher conferences in order to determine
accurate student achievement and needs.
Forty-seven years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared,
We believe, that is, you and I, that education is not an expense. It is

an investment (NPS.gov).

I agree with the former President that

education is not something to be looked at as a cost, or expense, but

rather an investment in our future. By being a reflective practitioner,
utilizing appropriate assessments, engaging students in hands-on
learning, and seeking out professional growth opportunities I can
nurture the development of students into critical thinkers and problemsolvers. Its an honor to be part of developing our future leaders.