Personal Philosophy of Education

Philosophical Foundations For Instruction Leadership

EDU 500

Personal Philosophy of Education

I believe the purpose of education is to prepare children for the rest of
their lives. Students learn how to read and write, and learn about events that
have shaped their world. Schools provide socialization, instructing children
how to be responsible citizens. There are many paths students can take in
life, so it is important for schools to provide children a base from which they
can build upon as the take these paths.
I initially became a school nurse in order to have a similar schedule as
my children. I felt that my role in the education of students would be limited
as school nurse. My goal has been to expand that role. Education is a
continuous, life-long process. All life experiences whether positive or
negative are a form of education. Although I believe routine and tradition
are important, in order to reach a wide variety of individuals, various
educational theories should be used. The theories I would incorporate are
perennialism, progressivism, reconstructionism, and behaviorism. Once I've
evaluated theses different methods, I have been able to be flexible to change,
depending on what works and doesn't work for my students.
I believe the education of all children should first start with the basics.
In perenialism it is believed that it is important for children to be taught
information that has endured through the years. This is the basic
information that prepares the student for life after school and teaches them to
think. An example of how I incorporate this style, as a school nurse, is by
teaching proper hand washing skills to my students. This is a skill that
everyone needs to learn and will use for their whole life.
Progressivism's aim is to educate the individual according to his or her
interests and needs. In other words, the student is the center of the learning
process. This theory works well for me as a school nurse. Each student or
class of students dictates what they want or need to learn. My role as mentor
is to provide real-life experiences and encourage group activities to assist in
their learning process. This student-centered theory also works in crisis
situations. If a student feels threatened by other students or by someone at
home, I again act as their mentor to provide a safe outlet and to notify the
proper officials. I work to understand the backgrounds of the students in
order to know how to best meet their educational needs. Teachers should be
able to recognize the diversity of cultures in their classrooms. They should
also be aware of the students' home situation and be able to notice (and act)
when a child may be in need.
My previous stated goal to change the role of the school nurse
demands that I adopt the theory of reconstructionism. The days of the

school nurse only passing out aspirin should be over. There is a dire need in
today's schools for an expansion of the role of the school nurse. With the
increase in social problems such as drug abuse, school violence, sexually
transmitted diseases, teen suicide, and domestic abuse, the school nurse is
underutilized. I would like to initiate programs in the school system that
include; support groups, discussion groups, and help-centers. I will involve
my students by having them assess what they see as social problems in their
school society and encourage them to search for solutions.
I am strong believer in behaviorism. The theory of positive
reinforcement could be used frequently in the school health room setting.
Many students use the nurses' office as an escape from a stressful classroom.
As a school nurse I determine who visits the health room inappropriately and
how often this is happening. I set up appropriate reward systems for those
students who change this behavior. I then evaluate the effectiveness of this
system in relation to each student.
There is simply no end to the techniques that can be used to educate
our youth. Teachers and other influential adults that interact with students
affect their lives in positive and negative ways. I need to always set a
positive example for those I teach. Being aware of the well being of my
students as well as their backgrounds and to offer avenues of assistance
when needed is my responsibility. I will recognize that all students need a
network of support. I will work with parents and the community to provide
the best education I can.
I will observe my students' reactions to changes I have implemented
and evaluate their effectiveness. A teacher is a life-long learner. I will
always be open to learning more by continuing my own education. My
philosophy of education has and will continue to change and evolve each
year. I feel as my philosophy improves and changes I in turn improve and
change the lives of the students I work with each day.