Running head: PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Personal Philosophy of Education

Colleen Rowan
Regent University

In partial fulfillment of UED 495 Field Experience ePortfolio, Spring 2016

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Introduction
A teachers personal philosophy of education influences everything she does in the
classroom from how she greets students in the morning to how she delivers instruction. An
educational philosophy is everything a teacher believes about students, instruction, classroom
management, and all of education. My personal philosophy has been shaped through my studies
at Regent University, my experience student teaching, and my personal values and faith. I now
have a strong philosophy that guides my teaching practices and impacts the entirety of what I do
in and out of the classroom.
Personal Statement
At the core of my personal philosophy of education is the belief that all children can and
should be given the opportunity to learn. As human beings we are always learning and changing
through observations, experiences, and our environment. Children naturally want and need to
learn about the world around them. The extent of their learning, however, is influenced by
external forces present in these critical years of growth. With the proper guidance, that learning
can be aimed toward success in life academically, socially, financially, and spiritually. It is the
teachers role to be that guide.
As a guide, a teacher is not the provider of learning but rather a facilitator that leads
student to discover understanding for themselves. I believe students need to be active participants
in their learning. When students are able to make discoveries and unveil the truth for themselves,
they will gain true understanding rather than just surface knowledge. This occurs when students
are encouraged to participate in their instruction by asking questions, searching for answers, and
reaching conclusions as a natural part of the learning process. Students also need to set goals for

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themselves and track their progress through self-reflection. The teachers role is to create
opportunities for students to do just that and provide support as needed.
A teacher also needs to be aware of the diversity of her students cultural backgrounds,
current situations, ability levels, and learning needs. Every student is different and may require
an individualized approach in various areas. I believe the best way for a teacher to understand
where each student is coming from is to build relationships with each student. When a teacher
takes the time to get to know her students, she is better able to understand where they are right
now, where they need to go, and how they need to get there. Building relationships with students
can be as easy as having meaningful conversations with them about their homes, interests, and
struggles. Once a teacher is able to understand her students, she can be most effective at reaching
their individual learning needs by meeting students where they are and differentiating her
instruction as needed.
I also believe that learning should be a fun and exciting process with lessons that engage
and challenge students. If students are bored in the classroom, very little to no learning will occur
and that which does will be only at the surface level. When learning is presented in an interesting
and engaging way, however, students will want to participate and learn. I believe that getting
students up out of their seats and involved in class activities is a great way to make learning more
engaging for students. It is often hard for students to keep their brain on if their body is off, but
when they are encouraged to move around and engage in learning, their minds will be awake and
ready to be challenged. Cooperative learning is another great way to make lesson more engaging.
When students are able to discuss and collaborate with each other, they help each other learn and
make the learning process much more social.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Evolution of Beliefs
Over the course of my student teaching experience, my personal teaching philosophy has
taken shape and cemented into a clear image of what teaching means to me. Though I have
retained some of my initial thoughts on education, my philosophy has also changed in many
ways since beginning my internship. One area specifically that has been shaped by my student
teaching experience is student centered instruction. Before beginning my student teaching, I
knew it was important for students to gain their own understanding and be active participant in
their own learning, but I had not appreciated the importance of students tracking their own
progress and self-assessing their learning. When students know exactly what their goals and are
able to measure their progress toward reaching those goals, they are more motivated and better
prepared to be successful. Allowing students the opportunity to reflect on their learning and
adjust their actions accordingly promotes independence and teaches intrinsic motivation.
Students who are self-motivated can achieve great things inside and outside of the classroom
with minimal interference from external influences.
Statement of Goals
Great teachers are also great students. Though I am about to graduate, I want to continue
to grow and learn as an educator for the rest of my life. There is always more to learn and ways
to improve. I want to be the best possible teacher I can, and that means never being complacent
or stubborn about change. By constantly improving and adapting to an ever changing field, I can
become an even more effective educator in whatever classroom I find myself in. My goal in the
classroom is to have a lasting impact on each student that extends not only to their academics but
has a positive influence throughout their lives. I wanted to become a teacher so that I could have

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a positive impact on as many people as possible, and that is exactly what I intend to do by
building relationships with students and coworkers and by meeting students where they are to
provide them with they each need to succeed.
Influence of Faith
My personal values and faith also greatly influence my teaching philosophy. As a
Christian, I believe that every child is made in the image of God and should be treated as such
with love, respect, and patience. Because of this belief, I care for each student as a precious life
that is valued and loved, even if they may not feel that way about themselves. Part of a teachers
role is build students confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them and showing them their
worth. The Bible teaches the importance of encouraging and loving other as well as promoting
education, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in
all wisdom (Colossians 3:16, ESV). I live my life according to the teachings of the Bible and
my teaching practices are also shaped by theses core values and beliefs.
Conclusion
While I am confident in personal philosophy of education, I recognize that it is in no way
complete. In only the short period of time I have spent studying at Regent and the even shorter
period I have spent student teaching, my education philosophy has changed in many ways. I am
certain that as my experience in teaching increases and my character develops further, my
philosophy of education will continue to grow. I will not resist this progress but instead look
forward to the new challenges and growth the future holds.