Ashley Cedillos

#6

3/26/17

EDU 201- Introduction to Elementary Education

Philosophical Portrait of Myself

Throughout the semester, we have discussed, observed, and read about useful teaching

and bad teaching strategies. This paper serves as a recap of what I have learned and how this

class will help me in my future as an educator, by giving a greater understanding to the different

learning and teaching philosophies. Essentialism and progressivism are the two I feel that I relate

to most. Our field observation will also benefit us as we need guidance, examples, and

experiences.

Before I took this class I was not aware of my learning and teaching abilities. Being able

to be in a group setting, coming to class to openly discuss the material, and view different

opinions of the book, Teachers, Schools, and Society, where no opinion is wrong and every point

of view is seen. Collaboration has the ability to allow students to develop the type of teachers we

want to be. This class has helped me in my other courses by allowing me to know my style of

learning as well as others. Therefore, making it easier during group communication.

During my field observation at Tony Alamo, I was placed into a kindergarten class. This

class had two teachers that co-taught the material and instructed students in an individual

manner. Although most educators teach alone, viewing the co-teaching allowed for more team

effort and collaboration within the classroom. I had the opportunity to see what it really meant to
be an instructor. It is not just about showing up. It is following standards, such as Common Core

and Iste. Adapting to working in a diverse setting, developing lesson plans to fit the needs of

students and being flexible to last minute changes with scheduling. This can all be accomplished

by putting in rigorous hours of preparation.

In my field observation, I remembered why I wanted to become a teacher. Being able to

view the teaching process first hand was very intriguing. Getting involved with the students and

assisting them in their daily lessons was rewarding. Seeing the different levels of pupil

knowledge, breaking the class into groups to assist the different stages they are at was

captivating. I was able to have a few students read to me either the book, The Monster Mash, or

practice drills with alphabet cards and sight words.

There are five teaching styles which include; essentialism, perennialism, progressivism,

social reconstructionism, and existentialism. I have found my styles to be essentialism and

progressivism. These two techniques allow me the ability to teach students beginning at the

basics of education then progress through Blooms Taxonomy. Using both instruments together

will give me the benefit of addressing the needs of the standards as well as the needs of the

students and their future.

Essentialism helps teach students traditional morals through lesson plans and academic

rigor. Essentialism builds character and patriotism. Essentialism goes back to the basics by

teaching students American culture. Essentialism is taught through discipline, in order to prepare

student for adult life. Essentialism is similar to progressivism. Teachers should not impose their

own values on students, but guide them to be outstanding members of society (oregonstate.edu).

Essentialism does not allow mindlessness or unmotivated students; the teacher who uses

essentialism works hard to get students motived and to be able to think outside the box and the
norm in a debate or discussion. I feel that essentialism should be applied in all school because

not all students are taught core values at home or how to be outstanding citizens. They need to

learn these values in order to succeed in life. Students need to be taught about paying bills, the

responsibility of having a car, and how to be professional when applying for a job. There are

many things students need to know before graduating high school because once you graduate

there is no longer someone to hold your hand.

Progressivism tailors their schools around concerns, curiosity, and real world

experiences. They are focused on preparing their student to be successful and manage themselves

well after graduation. Pragmatists focuses on teaching their student through their own

experiences rather than through books. Pragmatism are people who follow the philosophy of

progressivism. Progressivism is not focused around the teacher, but rather around the students.

They want the student to go out and try something and then come back and explain what they

have learned. They feel as if this helps the students better understand the lesson because they

have had the firsthand experience. I would strongly disagree with this philosophy because I think

students who can look at other peoples mistakes of experience with the best teachers and learn

from them are better off than students who must experience it for themselves.

By using these strategies and what I have learned in my experiences, in five years I hope

to be a new graduate beginning my career in the teaching profession. In setting up my classroom,

it will be full of color to welcome students making them feel comfortable. I want them to come

to me when they need anything. I am the type of individual that is always prepared and well put

together. This is how I will present myself daily while teaching structured lesson plans. My goal

is to work with at risk students and at low budget school so that I can learn how to be as

resourceful as possible. It is important for children to have at least one role model supporting
them and helping them through difficult areas in life. I want my students to be reflections of my

effort set forth within my class. Therefore, my hard work will impact them as they continue

through their education. Making the time spent in my class more than a grade, I want to satisfy

and encourage them to reach for their dreams as I did.

This has taught me the necessities I will need in preparation to become an educator.

While reading my philosophical portrait, I hope the picture is vivid of the type of educator and

role model I will become by using Blooms Taxonomy in addition to essentialism and

progressivism. The opportunity to work with the staff and students of Tony Alamo, has reassured

me that I am in the best field for my future.