(See my previous post)
It took a while, but I was able to write a one page version on my philosophy of education.
I still struggle with this assignment. Confining this to one page, "One that you might want to take into an interview" as my professor said, seems counter productive.
Maybe one day it will make sense.
Enjoy!
Assignment Five
#5 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Write a brief description of what your purpose is in becoming a teacher. This should be no longer than one page.
My purpose in education is to make the world a better place while answering an internal call to service. I believe that most of the social issues that drag down society can be reduced or eliminated by providing all children with a quality education. I strongly believe that all children can learn and be successful in school.
I am called to education to be an agent of change. Problem solving, project based learning, differentiation, and inquiry are common elements of my classroom. Teacher-centric instruction, the “sage on the stage” model, does not exist in my learning environment. I am a facilitator, an “educational travel guide” who helps student learn to think, reason, question, and experiment. Learning by doing, solving problems, and collaborating with others are the backbone of my educational philosophy.
Because children learn in different ways, they must be taught in different ways. Instruction must be presented using a variety of approaches so that the multiple intelligences of the students are engaged. My method of instruction includes hands-on activities, music, visual arts, reading, writing, and collaboration. I do my best to provide what each child needs; whether it is a quiet place, access to technology, the ability to move freely, or an alternate method of displaying mastery of an objective.
I believe that the unwritten curriculum of building social skills is just as important as state standards. Building community, conflict resolution, and learning to work together will always take a high priority in my classroom. My purpose as an educator is to teach and nurture the whole child, not just increase his or her test scores.
4/20/11 update: I received the equivalent of an A+ grade on my one page submission. :-)
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5 comments:
This is a great philosophy! Thanks for sharing. Now, for the resume, can you break it down into one or two sentences? Here's mine.
Every child is capable of learning. It is the responsibilities of the teacher to find how each child learns; and teach to each child individually as best as possible.
Anthony,
I like your ultra-condensed version.
I wouldn't put that on my resume. At least not until it was edited further. Try this (staying as close to what you said as possible):
Every child is capable of learning. It is the responsibility of the teacher to find how each child learns, and to teach each child individually.
Scott,
That's a philosophy to live by. Well said. Don't let the system change it over time. Help to spread the word-and speak loudly-that these methods work better and result in kids who are not only smarter, better problem solvers and critical thinkers, but they are also happier investigating, trying, and failing than doing worksheet 5.3. They know they can try again, and that next time, they'll get it right. They know that they aren't going on to 5.4 tomorrow whether I get this or not. They have to solve a problem, and they can't move on until they do. It's a complete flip. Bravo to you, and may you serve as a model to others!
Today a friend of mine, Pat Hensley, posted and reflected on own her philosophy of of education. I'm happy to have been the spark that inspired her to share her thoughts. How about the rest of you? Care to share your philosophy?
Pat's Post: http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/2011/04/staying-on-right-path.html
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