Philosophy of Education

Education is a powerful tool in our society. It can propel those who deem it

valuable into depths and heights yet to be discovered. The lack of education can cause

a spiraling endless tornado of destruction. That is why becoming an educator is a great

responsibility. One can either demonstrate the value of education to the unlearned

creating a spark of excitement, or become a destroyer of their love for learning.

Teaching is like a miner searching for valuable jewels. A miner knowingly chooses to

step into the unknown to bring precious jewels out of the darkness and into the light.

Everyday a miner begins a new adventure, unsure of how long or hard they might have

to dig in order to discover the valuable jewels. A miner’s job is to remove the dirt and

weight of the earth so that the jewel may shine in their entire luster. The jewels

represent the students either deep in the earth or just barely at the surface waiting for

someone to remove the weight of the world that tried to hide the value that they posses.

As educators we must enter the unknown to give students the opportunity to discover

the Jewel within.

As an educator there are many hopes and expectations for our ideal classroom. In a

perfect world students hunger and thirst to explore new things to learn and we are

always passionate and excited to pour into those students but,the reality has its way of

grounding our thoughts. Goals that are incorporated must be able to be accomplished

both by students as well as educators.​ I desire for every student to have an

understanding of education and its benefits​. Through that understanding they will be
given a chance to develop their passion for learning not just to pass a test but, to

enhance their life in ever aspect. As they develop and fuel this passion and begin to

apply it to every part of their life, it will ensure that they discover the jewel within.

There are certain roles that student should embrace to ensure their success as a

learner. Students must be open learners and not just think that one thought is all there

is to life. Students must be active, open, adaptive, sharing and involved learners. Each

person just like a jewel has a distinct nature about themselves. No two jewels or

students are alike. By actively sharing and involving themselves, they can understand

how it feels to make an impact with their perspective and thoughts. Every student must

accept these roles to set their foundation so that success can be built upon it.

The roles that I have set for myself as an educator are very similar to those of the

students. I must also be an educator that is active, open and involved. I must be a

passionate and creative mirror allowing students to see themselves for who they really

are. Compassion and adaption must become the anchor of my teaching for it is through

compassion that trust is built and through adaption that the relationship can be

solidified. All roles are built upon one foundation which is that I must always remain a

purpose-filled teacher. Through establishing a purpose of why I desire to teach in the

first place, I can always reflect back to see if what I am doing is lining up with how I am

teaching. In my life that means that I am not an educator who will leave their students

just for more money if I am fulfilling my purpose at a school where they pay less money.

Test and government standards will only provide strategies for distributing content and

will not be able to determine or change what type of educator students need. I believe
that if I am constantly fulfilling my role as an educator my students will be compelled to

accept their roles as a student.,

The teaching philosophy that best fit my classroom are Progressivism and

Reconstruction. Progressivism focuses on the student as a whole which allows the

student to become a more productive learner. The expectation for my classroom is to

not only learn a subject, but also character, integrity, responsibility, understanding and

teamwork. Through group work, discussions and allowing students to set the

expectations for the classroom, they will not only become active learners but also will

enforce learner accountability. Peer learners hold each other responsible for the

material and class expectations. Reconstructionism also plays a major role in my style

of teaching. I believe the better educated, passionate and responsible a student is, the

better chance those same traits carry over into society in the future. Now instead of

being engulfed in education for themselves, they can take on a responsibility for others

education as well. This creates a more well-rounded and considerate individual which

makes the future of our society a more positive one. My lesson plans would contain not

only specific subject areas of content but also activities of self-discovery, current events

and expression of thought on societal issues.

Community is vital to a student and educators success. A teacher must be one

who bridges the gap between adults and children. Authority is no longer held in high

regards and teachers must help students understand that adults are not against them

by meeting them where they are. Students will only be led by people they trust and we

must become trustworthy. If educators can impart into students, respect for themselves,
their peers, authorities and their community, they will increase the chances of

experiencing the vast resources of each relationship. Student involvement supported by

teacher involvement breeds open learners. Open learners become passionate and

responsible learners. Passionate and responsible learners become valuable learners.

Valuable learners become enhancers and wealth to our society which enable jewels of

knowledge to establish prosperity for all who receive.