PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1

Running head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Caitlyn Gormley

College of Southern Nevada

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Philosophy of Education

I remember wanting to be a teacher as far back as 12 years old. When my younger sister

was four, I used to play teacher with her and her friends. Since then, I have become the

designated person to help my sister with her homework, have volunteered in several elementary

school classrooms, and babysit kids of various ages. I think what I am most excited about going

into this profession is watching students grow throughout the school year. Plus, I have an

obsession with school supplies and organization, so I guess that is a little bonus to help me out in

my own classroom. Aside from being homeschooled for three years, I received all of my

education in CCSD public schools. I feel because I went through it as a student and know what a

lot of the issues are, I will be better prepared for when I become a teacher. I know there is a lot

going on in this district and state with budget and staffing issues and being ranked near the

bottom in education. However, I have learned that it is important to simply be there for every

student and to do everything possible to help them throughout their educational journey. I do not

want to be one of the terrible teachers I had that yelled at the entire class daily to inform us we

were awful students. I want to be one of the amazing teachers I had that encouraged us every

step of the way.

My educational philosophy is students should receive the best, well-rounded education

society can provide so they can grow up to be happy, kind, and successful human beings. With

that, it is my job to make sure students have everything they need to be successful in my class. It

is also important for the teacher to create a classroom where students actually want to come to

school. Children need fun, engaging, hands-on activities where they can get up and move as

much as possible. In my opinion, students are able to absorb information when they care and are

interested in what they are learning. When students enter my classroom, I want them to leave not
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only knowing all the required standards for their grade, but that someone out there cares for them

and they can be successful with all of their future goals. History has shown me that students have

the need, right, capability, and want to learn no matter who they are or where they came from.

In my classroom, I want to make sure every student can learn and comprehend the lesson,

no matter their learning style. I will implement tools so that I am aware of students that do not

understand a topic to make sure they know everything by the end of the school year. I am

determined to have students involved in hands on activities as much as possible. I cannot control

who is in my classroom, but I can make sure they feel apart of our classroom community. Each

student’s learning related needs will be looked at so they have the proper necessities to learn

effectively. I will assess them both formally and informally to make sure they are progressing

and not falling behind. Lastly, I will not “teach to the test”, but I will make sure each student is

prepared for required standardized testing.

I think the most important quality a teacher, or future teacher, needs to possess is

compassion. When teachers care about their students, they will be organized, look for ways to

improve, understand their students, and do their best daily. To begin my career, my first steps are

to complete my associate’s degree and become a substitute teacher. Occupying these positions

will allow me to begin working with children and understand what the school district is like as an

employee while I finish my schooling to receive my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education

with a concentration in Special Education. My goal is to teach either first or second grade, with

the background knowledge to teach each student that is apart of my classroom. Finally, I will

continue my education after I become a teacher so I can learn about new concepts, improve, and

provide the best education I can for my students, because to me, education is power.