Educational Philosophy

Christina deVecchis
April 2014
EGEN 3110W
Harding

I could have a higher paying job, but I could not have a better job. Nationally
acclaimed teacher Rafe Esquith made this bold argument in favor of education as a career. What
makes teaching this ultimate job? It is by no means easy; they face near constant societal critique
from politicians, parents, and communities, and it is not overly lucrative financially. Yet teachers
continue to rise to the challenge enthusiastically, pulled by passion, inspiration, and a genuine
care for young people. I believe that teaching is in essence an opportunity to inspire life long
learners. I believe that learning in the classroom must have the end goal of creating better people
for the adult world who are informed, engaged, creative, and critically thinking citizens. Our
public schooling system is our best fulfillment of the adage Think Globally, Act Locally.
Education is our nations best investment and our communities most sacred promise, equipping
each generation on a local, communal scale society is making a revered investment in a
collective future. I think quality History and Social Studies education at the secondary level will
allow us to rise to major challenges that face each generation on local and global scales.
We need to prepare citizens who are respectful, curious, and patient regarding other
cultures and societies around them. History and social studies education allows us to move
forward from past mistakes of humanity and thrive, rising to global challenges of the modern era.
I believe it is important that we have free thinkers who frame their thoughts with personal values
and education. By teaching students histories of triumphs, tragedies, and human interaction
educators can help shape students paradigms. We need informed voters, considerate problem
solvers and intellectual citizens. Young people can be trained in becoming critical consumers of
human narratives and current media. We educate students as a preservation of the past and a
safeguard of the future.

Social studies education gives students a library of precedents to act on, and ideally the
skills to face the future. In my future classroom I envision that students will learn from the
worlds past mistakes and successes. I believe that by doing hands on learning such as debating
ideas, critically analyzing media sources, participating in mock governments or trials, and
orchestrating civic engagement projects students will be better prepared to be excellent,
responsible and engaged citizens. Issues from local advocacy to international capitalism to global
environmental crises, can all be addressed with fundamentals built in a good social studies
classroom. Education should prioritize learning which is active, engaging, and relevant to postschool work and citizenship.
Class conversations must prepare student students in regards to academic content and
professional behavior for colleges or careers. By providing students with resources to
responsibly take from and give to society, we can help them reach the fullest potential of their
communal citizenship roles. Community engagement is hugely influential in student success.
The financial status, demographics, and location of communities can all affect pupils. By
creating partnerships with the community and parents, which extend empathy and understanding,
schools and staff can better serve students. I would work as a teacher towards offering an
education which fosters appreciation for culture and values while challenging prejudiced
paradigms.
Ultimately we need to foster citizens who value themselves and are equipped to
contribute to society. As educators we must aim to celebrate and acknowledge the validity of
accomplishment and intelligence in all of its multiple forms. By first prioritizing student wellness
in terms of physical, social, emotional, and mental health, and then including students own
cultures and capabilities we will be able to create self-motivated lifelong learners.