My Philosophy of Education

I. The purpose of education.

Education plays a major role in our society as we are beginning
to educate the next generation. As the public school systems continue
to grow, so does the information students need to learn. While
students are expected to learn and understand reading, writing,
science, social science, and mathematics, they also must have
competence in operating computers. With so much at students
fingertips, educating these children is becoming more and more
important as our nation grows.
In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act became effective, and this
act required states to administer tests in schools to challenge the basic
skills students should have learned. While in theory this is a good idea,
the main purpose of the act should have been focused more on the
students learning and understanding the material and not just the
basics for a test. Another important change is the Obama
administration beginning the revision the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act in 2010 to replace the No Child Left Behind Act. The
purpose of the revision to the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act is to move Americas education standards to a place that would
create a path to global leadership. This act seems to be more effective
in theory than the No Child Left Behind Act, because it focuses on
preparing students for college and the work place.

Today, there is a focus in American schooling on passing a test to

succeed. I completely disagree with standardized testing because they
promote little to no creativity. Rather than focusing on the students
really learning the material and understand all of the concepts, they
learn enough to pass a test. Unfortunately, after the test is passed, the
information learned is lost. If the focus was less on passing a
standardized test and more on teaching lasting information, then
students would benefit so much more.
Personally, I place myself on the scale of teacher-centered to
student-centered. On the scale I think I am much more studentcentered. My main goal as a teacher is to teach lasting information
that my students enjoy. While I love English and it is my passion, I
know I will have students who hate it, but the purpose of being
student-centered is to reach those students and make them at least
enjoy the subject. Since I want to teach English in high school, I think it
is important for me to promote creativity and discussion. Having my
class be more student-centered, I think will greatly benefit my students
in their critical thinking of literature in general.

II.

What should be taught and why?

How is the general curriculum selected? What subjects should be
included?

The general curriculum is comprised of five major subjects, reading,

writing, science, social science, and mathematics, with other classes,

like foreign language and health, also offered. I believe all of these
subject are important and there should be more included. Since most
of the subjects have standardized tests, it believe classes like music,
art, or anything that sparks students interest are important for
something more creative than taking notes for a test. Personally, my
curriculum will have to follow with compliance a standardized test, but
I will have time for creativity. I want my classroom to be set up as a
place for laid back, fun learning that is challenging but worth it. By
promoting discussion and creativity, teaching to a standardized test
will prove to be much more inspiring to my students and myself.
Part of educating well-educated individuals is to produce wellrounded individuals. Rather than just being exposed to the five core
subjects, well-educated students need to be exposed to foreign
language classes, are, music, and anything that allows them to be
creative. Students should be challenged in all of their classes to
promote problem-solving and critical thinking. In all of their classes,
students should be equipped with the skills to solve difficult prombelms
and make difficult decisions that they couldbe faced with in the real
world. By preparing them for the real world in school, they will be welleducated members of society that will succeed.
One of the focuses in my classroom will be to make sure every
student has all of the materials they need to succeed. Children in

poverty may not have access to a computer, so I will set aside

computer time for the entire class to complete an assignment. As for
students with disabilities who are mainstreamed into my classroom, I
will make sure they are fully included. I will hold them at the same
standard and offer them extra learning materials just like for my other
students. I do not want anyone in my class to feel as if they are
different if they do not grasp a concept as well as other. I want to make
sure I dedicate time to those who need it, with or without a disability,
to understand the material.

III.

The nature of the learner. Address each bullet:

The student carries a great deal of responsibility in their own

education studying wise. As the students grow mentally and in age,

they have more responsibility placed on them to work hard and do
their best. However, students are not in control or responsible for the
material they are taught and how well it is taught. The main
responsibility of the students education is given to the teacher. While
the students must study and work hard, it is up to the teacher to
provide them with the knowledge to complete and understand all of
their work.
Students need to be respectful and encouraging towards their
teachers, peers, and administrators. For example, students need to be
respectful follow teachers instructions and listen during class. The

same is to be said with administrators; something as simple as saying

hello when a student passes an administrator in a hallway shows
great deals of respect. If the students are working together in a group,
the students should be respectful to one anothers ideas and
encourage the creativity and hard work each member brings. By being
respectful and encouraging in school, the students will take these good
habits into the real world and continue to practice them in their
careers.
IV.

Teaching methods that should be used and why.

The classroom or learning environment that students are in

should be both academically and creatively stimulating. Instead of a

classroom being nothing but white walls, desks in straight rows, and a
white/chalk board, there should be color, like with posters, and instead
of being in straight lines, desks could be angled to make seeing the
board easier. The classroom should be a place with color in order to
promote creativity and learning.
Schools and classrooms are most effective when they are
comfortable for all students. Whether the students are impoverished,
LGBT, or disabled, it is important that ach and every student feel
comfortable in school. By having a comfortable environment, there is
room for students to grow, learn, and work to the best of their abilities.
Schools and classrooms should be comfortable in order to inspire
effective learning.

V.

The role of the teacher.

Teachers should always hold professional and respectful

relationships with administration, fellow teachers, parents/guardians,

and students. When talking with administration, fellow teachers,
parents/guardians, and students, teachers must listen and be open to
suggestions. In order to keep the relationships professional and
respectful, teachers must work hard to listen and accept any and all
suggestions.
The values I wish to promote in my classroom are respect,
creativity, and positivity. I want my classroom to be a relaxed place
where my students can allow their thoughts to flow freely without
judgment. I will not allow slanderous comments in discussion, but I will
allow polite disagreements. Being open and accepting in my class is a
key aspect. I want my students to carry the values I hold as well are
their own into their own lives and futures.
My job is to teach and inspire my students to love English as
much as I do. Even though I know teaching will be difficult and I
welcome the challenge, I do not see it as a job but as my passion. My
passion for inspiring students to love English is what I believe will make
me a successful teacher. I know I have not taught a class yet, but I am
already in love with the career path I have chosen.