Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Abby Mietchen
Philosophy of Education

There are several main purposes of education. First, education must

socialize children and prepare them for the adult world by not only
providing them with academic knowledge/skills and cultural competencies,
but also developing their soft skills like working together, being patient and
respectful, being responsible and meeting obligations, and setting goals.
Another main purpose of education is to establish a more level playing field
for all students thus counteracting forces like racism, sexism, and poverty
-- so that they can become literate, cultural beings who can fully participate
in all levels of society. It is my belief that education should be the great
equalizer and it is through education that people attain fulfilling lives for
themselves.
I believe that all students can learn if they are presented with
materials, content, and learning experiences that speak to them.
Additionally, I believe that all learners need to taught how to be self-aware
for two reasons: first, so that they understand how they affect others, and,
second, so that they are able to advocate for themselves and their needs.
Another part of my philosophy is taking the time to listen to students and
learn about their cultural, racial/ethnic, and family backgrounds as well as
their learning styles. This increases buy-in, since students feel listened to

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

and respected, but it also enables me to tailor instruction to speak to their

lived experiences and academic needs.
In my classroom, curriculum is designed around texts. Cultural and
literary knowledge are interchangeable, since I prescribe to the literary
theory of neo-historicism. At the core of my curriculum will always be the
theme of communication: how do authors, writers, and speakers
communicate ideas? CCSS should always guide instruction, but as an
autonomous profession, the teacher should reserve the right to determine
how the curriculum is presented. However, an effective educator does not
believe they possess all knowledge.
Curriculum should be taught using a variety of instructional strategies
so as to meet the learning needs of all students. Something that it crucial to
my practice is the use of group work and presentations, since they transfer
the onus of learning onto my students, prepares them for higher education/
the working world, and enables them to develop soft and hard skills like
public speaking and working with others. My lesson plans will use a variety of
strategies, but it is important to me to always be able to answer the why or
so what question that rationalizes curriculum and learning activities.
Furthermore, one of my core philosophes in education is that I am also
a learner and that I need to actively seek out and apply feedback from
students and colleagues. Being humble and eager to learn and improve are
key tenets of my practice.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

One of my philosophies in education is that the management of the

classroom determines whether or not learning can occur. I believe educators
should be strict but loving, tough but fair, friendly but not a friend. Learning
should be rigorous, enjoyable, meaningful, and connected to the real world.
In short, my educational philosophy is that my students should be
engaged in meaningful work and interactions today that prepare them for
the real world tomorrow.