Education Philosophy

Educational Philosophy

I have an eclectic philosophy of education that I derived from a wide range of pre-existing philosophies. I identify most with the philosophies of essentialism and perennialism. In my opinion, students should have a strong foundation in the core curriculum areas of English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. After all, house built on a weak foundation will not stand. I also prefer the perennialist’s approach of studying the classics like Homer, Shakespeare, Milton etc. Everything in the present is a product of the past, for this reason I feel like the great works of the past still have relevance today.

I first realized that I had a desire to become a teacher when I moved to North Carolina for my senior year of high school. I absolutely hated school there; the only thing that kept me coming to school was Mr. Schaffer’s Psychology class. I bonded with him at the very beginning of the school year. He always gave me encouragement and often told me that he could see potential in me. He taught me about the low percentile of male teachers in the early grades and the rising tide of single parent families. Mr. Schaffer inspired me to go into early education (K-6) so I could become a positive role model for the Students. He also taught me that it’s important to never pigeon hole a student and to never give up on any student.

My classroom will have the look and feel of a progressive classroom. However, it will function like an essentialist classroom. I feel like the seating design of rows is old, outdated and un-stimulating. I want the seating to be in clusters made up of four desks put together. I learned this method from my cooperating observation teacher. There are ma...

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...nt that we work with reform and not against it.

As an educator, I plan to be a continuous learner. As of now I am very optimistic about my professional development plans. I can never be educated enough. I am a person who is on a quest for knowledge. After finishing my bachelor’s degree I definitely want to pursue a master’s degree. At some point in the future I would like to receive national certification. I strive for perfection and even though it may be impossible to reach I can improve and move closer to fulfilling my goals. I will never stop developing professionally. I plan to do anything and everything to make myself a more educated person. After I retire from the teaching profession I plan to start a career of politics. I will start by running for the board of education. Hopefully, as a politician I can have a positive impact on education.