Philosophy of Education

As my undergraduate classes at Jacksonville State University come to a close, my

philosophy of education continues to expand. I have gained pivotal knowledge and insight into
what it takes to become a passionate, student-centered special education teacher. Experience in
working with students who have profound disabilities and mild disabilities through all grades K12 has shown me the importance of individualizing instruction. Through my diverse experiences
in the classroom, I have gathered many successful teaching strategies and positive behavior
management skills. I have a yearning to implement each strategy described below so that my
future students will be active members of society and will develop self-advocacy skills.
As a teacher of special education, my central goal is to make a difference. Too often
individuals get fixed into a label such as autism, dyslexia, or so on and they are unable to see
beyond the label. It is vital that I look at what a child can do instead of what he/she cannot do. In
order to apply this strategy, I will be expanding and building up the skills a child is good at in
each lesson. It is also important to work on areas where a child is weak, but the building on areas
of strength will never get neglected. When this is implemented, the individual with a disability
will gain self-confidence and will be more willing to learn difficult tasks. By the end of the day, I
want each of my students to feel cared for and to know that there are no limitations on what they
can learn and achieve.
Every student is an individual; I believe each learns in their own way and at their own
pace. Howard Gardner, an American developmental psychologist, also views students as
individuals. Not one mind is wired the same. Therefore, Gardner came up with the eight multiple
intelligences, showing that each person has different intellectual strengths and that these
strengths are crucial in how students learn and represent what it is they understand. As a special

educator, I will do my best to utilize multiple means of representation in order for my students to
become the most successful individuals they can be.
Not only do students learn in different ways, they are also motivated in their own unique
way. As I go into the profession of special education, it is pivotal for me to understand behavior;
how to analyze it and how to create a positive behavior plan. I believe each child benefits from
positive reinforcement. I want to be able to apply the knowledge and experience I have acquired
over my college career to my future students and school. I believe when students are motivated
to learn and have multiple means of representation, then they will be more successful and will
have the desire to not want to miss school...ever.
Abraham Maslow is another theorist that stands strong in my philosophy of education. He
created the five hierarchy of needs. It is critical to understand truly why the student is having
problematic behavior. Sadly, it is due to lack of physiological needs being met. Therefore, I want
to do my best in creating an atmosphere that is comfortable and safe for each student. It is my
dream to make sure each individual is well nourished before sending them home. Overall, my
philosophy is to create a positive, safe, individual-focused classroom allowing for each child to
reach their full potential and discover their individual gifts. I cannot wait to put my philosophy
into practice.