Philosophy of Education

Here is my trimmed-down, one-page Philosophy of Education for my portfolio!

Philosophy of Education

Education is a means for creating opportunities that allow students to access information and take an active role in learning.  Educators must do more than force facts and personal opinions upon students.  Rather, they should ask questions that solicit critical thinking and personal growth.  True education cultivates meaningful, important connections to a student’s life experiences.  It must relate directly to the student.  

An important part of education is facilitating opportunities that encourage learning. Each individual student has a unique method of learning, and has the most intellectual growth when they are able to access education through that method. As teachers we can encourage this intellectual development and create a student-centered classroom by doing the following:

·         Constructing experiences that support free-expression and decision-making through academic choices, as well as the power of choice in assessment

·         Advocating high expectations for student achievement and encouraging students to strive for excellence in and out of the classroom

·         Creating an atmosphere of safety where students are eager to be creative

·         Maintaining a culturally responsive pedagogy that promotes acceptance and respect, and allows students to feel comfortable in the classroom no matter their background

·         Allow students appropriate time and a safe space to ask questions or voice concerns

·         Encouraging discussion about differences between students’ beliefs and opinions - promoting respect and fostering conversations that allow students to feel comfortable while expressing their opinions

·         Making interdisciplinary connections

·         Tapping into each student’s personal funds of knowledge

·         Fostering learning experiences that include a variety of opportunities to stimulate multiple intelligences. 

Education is the essence of our society.  Growth, development, and change occur because of education and increased knowledge.  Personal development and social progression are only a possibility when education is placed at the forefront of our priorities as a country, a community, or as an individual.  Teachers have the unique and amazing opportunity to be the catalyst for the advancement of knowledge and individuals. A teacher’s job is to not only to create a functional or professionally literate individual, but to create innovative, free-thinking, lifelong learners. As an educator, the relationships formed and lessons taught change lives and enhance minds.

What are you passionate about as an educator? What are your philosophies regarding education and the classroom? How has that changed as you've spent more time in a classroom?