My Educational Philosophy

Avery Berkey

ED 459 Philosophical Foundations

Southern Oregon University

There are a wide variety of educational philosophies used in teaching classrooms. Each

philosophy has its own individual ideas about how best to educate students. Teachers can pick

and choose elements of different philosophies they like to create a positive environment for all

kinds of students. Essentialism, Progressivism, and Existentialism are three philosophies I

believe in incorporating into my classroom.

Essentialism is a more back-to-basic approach to teaching, which focuses on the subjects

that everyone learns in school. This idea of instilling the essential knowledge into students is

important to me because having knowledge of history, mathematics, science, reading, and

writing allows young students to become well-rounded adults. These subjects create structure in

the classroom that can be applied in classrooms nationwide and teach the students about the

world around them. There are however, some aspects of Essentialism that I do not agree with,

such as the lack of creative expression outside of the five core curriculum subjects. Another

aspect of Essentialism I do not agree with is teaching students about patriotism in public

classroom. This narrow minded way of thinking does not allow students to explore and

appreciate culture different from their own. World history, for example is an important subject

for students to learn about because it allows them to gain understanding and knowledge about

how other cultures view the world.

Progressivism, also known as experimentalism, takes a step away from the traditional

norms of philosophy like essentialism. Progressivism is largely focused on the student. Basic

subjects like reading and math are important for all students, but promoting student interesting in
these traditional subjects that are often seen as boarding is important in Progressivism. This

philosophy focuses largely on student motivation and interests as forms of provoking curiosity.

Students might learn about a math concept by creating a garden and learning about

measurements. Developing social skills through student interactions and team building is also a

part of Progressivism. This is one of my educational philosophies because education is a growing

process that allows students to work with teachers to create interesting curriculum and

incorporating hands-on-learning. Students deserve a voice in the classroom.

Existentialism seems like a chaotic and unorganized way to run a school, with little to

know respect for traditional philosophies of education. However once a teacher delves into the

core of this philosophy they can learn about the most important part of schooling, the student.

Reading about a school called Summer Hill, which incorporated Existentialism, taught me that

strict rules and traditions are not for everyone. Giving students freedom to pick and choose when

and how they learn allows for self-discovery and expression in a healthy environment. I believe

in giving a choice in their educational experience because it promotes individual growth,

development, and independence.

Putting these three philosophies into practice allows for students of diverse backgrounds

and learning styles to work at a pace tailored to their individual needs. I believe the purpose of

public education is to inspire future business leaders, scientists, and artists, and to encourage an

embracing learning environment conducive for all students. Education is essential for building a

better world, but it should also cater to the divers strengths and needs of individual students. I

believe incorporating family and community into the classroom is also important because it

teaches students about working together to create a better world. The basic subjects, the
individual learner, and the learners self-expression are all important to me and are part of my

teaching philosophy.

Teaching the whole child is a concept most schools have forgotten about in a world of

standardized testing. Teachers often see students as test scores instead of brilliant future leaders.

My classroom would incorporate holistic education toward developing the whole student. Every

aspect of my classroom from the way to tables are set up to the subjects taught, would be

carefully devised to cater to the different learning styles of my students. Giving some students

strong guidance and other students free reign allows me to work with those who need extra

support, while giving others freedom to explore.

As I grow and develop as a teacher my philosophy may change as I learn what works and

what doesnt. Essentialism, Progressivism, and Existentialism will play a big part in my

educational philosophy as a teacher and I will incorporate aspects of each into my classroom.

Students should wake up in the morning excited and ready to learn because education should be

enjoyable for everyone.