Daniel Bustos

LBS 400 Section 02

Instructor: Jheri Crisostomo
California State University. Dominguez Hills
2/22/16

Philosophy of Education
Children need strong and efficient teachers to give them the tools they will need to
become productive adults. As teachers, we teach them right from wrong, how to treat others, and
how to become the best person they can be.
Oakes and Lipton (2003) state that Mann intended common schools to teach the
knowledge and habits, as well as the basic literacy, that citizens needed to function in a
democracy (pg. 5). The purpose of education is to start students on a path that will lead them to
become critical thinkers, expert readers, problem solvers, and social adults. I want my students
to become educated, motivated, and responsible adults that will help their community and
become role models for young learners. When I was in elementary school, I was in the English
Learners Program. My teachers encouraged me to speak English the best I could so that I would
learn more words. It was thanks to them that I am now able to read, write, and function in
society.
Children learn best when they are surrounded by supporting reference material that
reminds and enforces material being taught. Bulletin boards should always display student work
regardless of grade. All students should feel like their work matters and teachers should feel
proud to display all work. Each table should have at least one proficient student so they may
motivate and help other students. In my classroom I will encourage students to discuss what
they have learned or are having trouble learning with each other. Wilson and Peterson (2006)
state that . the social occasions of conversation, discussion, joint work, and debate also play a
critical role in learning (pg. 4). When I was in fourth grade, the teacher placed us in groups for
different subjects and we worked together and talked about our assignment. Talking about it
allowed me to better understand the material.

Wilson and Peterson (2006) state that Elementary-age children have been found to hold
nave theories of prejudice and discrimination that resonate with the theories..about why
people dislike or discriminate against those who are different (pg. 3). In order for students to
learn, they must feel safe in their classroom. Students that are different ethnically, socially, or
with special needs are usually the target for other students. I will make it very clear to all my
students that people are different and that everyone must treat each other with respect. If the
work is to challenging for these students, then the teacher must modify their lesson to
accommodate those students. As a teacher is explaining a task, they can change the words they
use to accommodate any students that might not speak English fully. Pairing an English learner
with a student that speaks both languages will help that student understand more of the lesson if
the teacher does not know the other language. When I was learning English in elementary, I
remember the teacher sat me next to a student that would translate words I didnt know. During
recess we would play together and that friend helped me communicate with other students.
I believe that some subjects should be taught more in school. Teachers have access to
standards that help guide them to which material students should be learning. Dunkle (2012)
states that Presently, standards have been developed for literacy, math, and speaking, and
listening (pg. 3). I would focus on these subjects and find ways to incorporate them into each
other. If I am teaching math I can also include some language arts my creating word problems.
Other subjects like art, physical education, and health can be combined with other subjects to
create a richer lesson. When I was in third grade, the teacher would give us these math sheets
that were also a jigsaw puzzle. After solving the math problems, we would cut out the pieces and
glue them together to make a picture. If the math problems were solved wrong the picture would
look wrong. This was a great way to combine art and math.

Effective teachers are able to create lesson plans that accommodate all their students.
They are able to think on their feet if something unexpected happens. Students must not see the
teacher panic because they will also start to panic. A teacher must be up to date with new
strategies and standards. A teacher must continue their education to meet the needs of their
students and the school. As an educator, I will continue my education by working towards a
higher degree. I will also attend personal development meetings and I will work together with
my grade level to ensure that students get the best education I can give them.

References
Nancy Fitchman Dana, Jamey B. Burns & Rachel M. Wolkenhauer. (2013). Inquiring into the
Common Core. The Common Core and Inquiry. (p 1-13). Thousand Oaks, CA. Crown.
Oakes, J., & Lipton, M. (2003). Teaching to change the world (3rd ed.). New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill.
Wilson, S. M. &Peterson, P. L. (2006). Theories of learning and teaching what do they mean for
educators? Washington, DC: National Education Association.