Kayla Turley

EDU 1010

2/13/17

Educational Philosophy:

As an educator, having an up to date educational philosophy is critical. This may be one

of the requirements needed to apply to jobs. It is important to acknowledge that an educational

philosophy is evolving and dynamic. They will change as we gather experiences and other

information. It is very likely that our philosophy will include elements of many different

philosophies and become our own. I believe that it is important to be open to other perspectives

which may lead to a change in our philosophies.

The educational philosophy that I relate most strongly to is Progressivism. This

philosophy teaches real-world problem solving and individual personal development. The

curriculum content should be applicable in todays world. My classroom will be based on mutual

respect for all students and staff members that come through my room. I will have many out of

the box ways of thinking and encourage my students to do the same. I will use movement,

activities, and song to enhance the learning environment for my students. I believe that there is a

way for student interest and the curriculum matter to be connected in a way that further enhances

the learning of my students. Through hands on education we can shape students as completely

and in as many areas as possible.

The other educational philosophy that I relate almost as strongly to is Essentialism. This

philosophy teaches that there are certain skills and knowledge that all people should possess. I

believe that when students graduate from school they should have the basic knowledge that they
need to function in todays society. Not just the society of the United States but one of a diverse

and ever changing world. The education needed to function in todays society is not limited to

the core subjects, but also includes life skills, problem solving skills, and communication skills.

In my classroom, I will provide many activities and opportunities for students to learn all of the

skills that I believe are needed to function in todays world.

In conclusion, it is important for a teacher to have an up to date philosophy. This provides

the teacher with an understanding of why they are making the decisions in the classroom that

they are making. It gives teachers a chance to reflect on their old beliefs and brainstorm their up

to date ones. In my future classroom, I will do what I can to shape my students in a progressive

way that helps promote learning the essential content they will need to succeed in the ever

changing world that we have today.