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Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

The Purpose of Education

Based on my own experiences and what I have learned from this class, I

believe that schools have a set foundation on what they wish for their students to

know and do in and out of the classroom. I think that schools should attempt to use

a combination of the philosophies of education in the curriculum to create well-

rounded students. Based on my past educational experiences, I had many different

teachers who showed their different views on education based on how they taught

and graded their students. For example, I remember being exposed to

progressivism in elementary school by participating in Market Day. This was a

hands-on experience that taught students about making and selling a product, as

well as learning to handle money. At the time I was not aware that this was a

progressive approach, but now I can see how it is centered on the students

interests in real problems and interdisciplinary solution seeking (Bolick, Cooper, &

Ryan, 2014, p. 299). Overall, I think schools should strive to create well-rounded

students who are excited to learn and to problem solve. I think it is important for

schools to teach students that learning is fun, as well as giving students the power to

succeed in whatever they choose to do. Looking at the past, a major historical event

that has influenced this belief was in the era of progressive education that took

place in the late 1920s through 1940s. During this time, founder of

instrumentalism, John Dewey, implemented his ideas of progressivism into school

systems stating he believed that, participation in life, rather than preparation for it,

the hallmark of an effective education (Bolick et al., 2014, p. 292). There are many
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

different aspects to consider when looking at the philosophies of education;

however, I would put myself somewhere in the middle on the scale of teacher-

centered to student-centered. While I think it is important to give students

freedom to learn by discovering, I also think it is important for students to be able to

listen and learn from their teachers. I grew up listening to my teachers, as well as

having a hands-on approach to learning, and I think it is important to have a mixture

of the two styles.

Curriculum: What Should Be Taught and Why?

While I do not agree that students should have the freedom to choose their

curriculum, I do think it is in the best interests of the students and teachers to make

sure the curriculum is interesting and exciting for students. This will make students

learn and remember material easier and teachers will feel accomplished knowing

their students have succeeded. I also believe it is important to create a foundation

of basic skills for all students. Basic subjects like reading, writing, math, social

studies, and English should still be part of the curriculum. These core subjects

provide a good background for students to grow off of as they get older and begin to

explore deeper material that interests them. Extracurricular subjects should also be

included in the curriculum for students who have the desire to learn outside the

basic core subjects. For example, in my middle school we were able to take two

electives that ranged from band, strings, art, chorus, Spanish, French, to even classes

about cooking and sewing. These types of courses should be encouraged to help
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

give students a better-rounded education that goes beyond the basic subjects

barrier. While there is always going to be diversity present in the school system, it

is important for teachers to be able to accommodate to the needs of every student.

For example, students with different learning styles can be accommodated by

teaching lessons in different ways. What works for one student may not work for

another. As a teacher, I could teach a math problem one way and then show a

solution for it another way to reach all different types of learners in my classroom.

Another time an accommodation would be necessary would be when a student has a

disability. It is important to treat them equal to the other students in the classroom,

as well as making sure that their learning is not getting compromised because of

their disability. If a student has a hearing disability, it would be important to seat

them towards the front of the room, and keep the door to the classroom shut in

order to make sure they can hear the material that is being taught, as well as hear

their classmates.

Nature of the Learner

While it is good to give students some freedom in their education in order to

produce students who are excited to learn, there must also be standards and

responsibilities for students in order to establish teachers as authority figures.

Discipline can be hard to implement if it is not established from the very start. I

would like to think that all students are going to be respectful and willing to learn,

but unfortunately that is not the case. As teachers, it is our job to get as many
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

students excited to learn and lead them to be successful in whatever they want to

do. This must first start by establishing responsibilities for the learners. In my

opinion, students are expected to arrive on time, with all of their belongings and

homework, ready to start the school day. Students should listen to all teachers in

the school, as well as be respectful of their peers. Teachers can encourage this type

of behavior in schools by motivating and guiding students to be the best that they

can be. As a teacher, we are always being watched and looked at for advice whether

we realize it or not. This even applies outside of school, as it is very likely that

teachers run into their students within the community. In the school environment

students should be able to work in groups with other students and be able to voice

their opinions. While not all students are going to agree with one another at all

times, it is also important for students to be able to compromise and come up with

solutions with their peers. While students are expected to respect and listen to their

teachers, I think the same standard applies to the relationship between

administrators and students as well.

Teaching Methods That Should Be Used and Why

I believe that it is important to create a positive and welcoming learning

environment in the classroom that fosters creativity and inspires students to work

hard. Students should feel that the classroom is a safe place to be and they should

look forward to coming to school every day. I envision my classroom full of laughs

and encouragement from the teacher and the students as we support one another. I
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

also picture my classroom set up into groups so that students can easily work

together and share their ideas with one another. I would have about five or six

tables for students and would continuously switch up the seating chart throughout

the year so different students can connect and work together. I also picture my

classroom to be very organized and colorful, with posters on the walls. I also want

to hang up the students work to make them feel important and special. I believe

school effectiveness is based highly on communication between teachers and

students. Teachers among the same, as well as different grade levels should be able

to work together to get work done more efficiently. My mom is a second grade

teacher, and she is always bouncing ideas off the other teachers in her grade level to

get new, creative lessons. I also agree that the school environment plays a large role

in an effective classroom. A school environment that is, safe, pleasant, and orderly

is conducive to learning (Bolick et al., 2014, p. 51).

The Role of the Teacher

Relationships are very important to me and I think they play a strong role in

schools. Teachers should always be respectful towards administration; however,

teachers should also be able to express their concerns to the administrators as well.

Again, I also believe teachers should be able to work cohesively with other teachers.

I personally look forward to making lifelong friends with my fellow teachers. Along

with being a teacher, comes the task of dealing with parents and guardians of the

students. This relationship should also consist of respect, but the teacher must also
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

be able to stand up for his or her self. When I think of teachers and parents, I

immediately think of parent-teacher conferences. While it is great to share the

accomplishments and successes of the students, it is also up to the teacher to discuss

behavior issues and disruptions with the students parents as well. These

relationships look like team-work as the teacher must be able to work with each of

these relationships to create a positive learning environment for the students. I

hope to promote many values in my classroom including honesty, respect, positivity,

cooperation, and creativity. I would like to discuss these values with my students

and ask them what qualities they find valuable. By establishing a consensus of

values in the classroom, students will be able to work together to uphold these

values. Overall, I believe that my job is to create well-rounded students who have a

desire to learn and succeed. I want my students to know that they are important

and capable of doing anything they set their mind to. My job is to guide them along

the way.

Ongoing Professional Development

I will continue my professional growth to better understand and realize my

philosophy by using my best efforts to foster better relationships with my students

in order to help them succeed. I also plan to continue my education in order to keep

myself up-to-date with technology, as well as the system of education that is

constantly changing. I want to hold myself accountable to a high set of standards

that puts the students success first. By working towards my goal with other fellow
Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

teachers, I hope to add new ideas to my philosophy of education as I continue to

learn more about education every day. I need to start using other educators

experiences in order to learn new ways to teach. I think it would be wise to talk to

different age teachers and discuss their views on education and how it has changed

over time. I need to stop trying to be perfect and accept that I will sometimes make

mistakes in my classroom. Lastly, I need to continue working towards my goal of

being a successful educator and professional.


Personal Philosophy of Teaching Statement

Work Cited

Bolick C. M., Cooper J. M., Ryan, K. (2014). Those who can, teach. United Sates of
America: Cengage Learning.

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