Jolley 1

Shortened Philosophy of Education

Sarah Jolley
Teachers have the privilege to invest into childrens futures and to help students to
become whoever God has planned for them. Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have
for you, plans to prosper you to give you hope and a future. God has a plan for all people,
including students, to have an influence in our society. After a student has gone through my
classroom, I want them to know how they are loved and have the potential to do whatever God
designed them to be.
Every learner is created in the image of God, but they live in a fallen state. Teachers
should be merciful towards their students, but help them to more fully reflect the light of Christ
through education. Learning is not just the process of learning facts, but it is the realization of
how those facts interact with Gods creation. Although I will be teaching the curriculum through
a Christian worldview, my classroom will be a diverse place. Different cultures and personality
types will be present in any classroom in public or private school setting. I seek to be a teacher
who celebrates diversity because God created a diverse world.
I plan to use many theories of education that I have learned to make my classroom a more
productive learning environment. I will first ensure that my students have their needs met,
considering Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. I will then motivate them to learn by peaking their
natural curiosity. When I plan my lessons, I will ensure that the activities are developmentallyappropriate for my students by considering Piagets Theory of Cognitive Development. I also
think that creating a healthy community within my classroom that will help my students to feel
that they are in a safe place to learn.

Jolley 2
One of the most important aspects of education is the process that student go through to
learn. I will use a hands-on teaching approach in my future classroom. I believe this is the best
learning technique, because students truly experience what they are learning. Additionally, when
the learning experience is hands-on, students are able to analyze how their new knowledge
applies to old facts they know. This process helps students to take ownership of their learning.
Students also tend to retain knowledge longer if they experience it. While teaching hands-on, I
will incorporate other learning strategies to ensure that all students needs are met
Classroom teachers have a unique job that entails many different roles. They are an
exemplar, coach, authority, expert, and most importantly a co-learner. A teacher should seek to
learn alongside her students. She should examine her lessons and teaching style to see how they
can be improved. A quality teacher tries to be a better teacher today than she was yesterday.
An exceptional teacher is one who encourages their students to embrace their unique
traits and talents that God has given them. They do not expect all of their students to conform to
societys expectations, but to grow in the light of who God made them to be. They also know
their varying roles in the classroom. They do her best to learn from their mistakes and seek to
constantly improve their classroom. The learning process is one where the students natural
curiosity is triggered in a safe environment. Teachers should not only focus on teaching their
students the standards required by the state, but real life knowledge. I hope that the knowledge
that I leave with my students will help them to succeed not only in their adult lives by providing
them a well-rounded education that nurtures the rational, spiritual, and physical, but will help
them to worship God more fully.