Philosophy of Education
Education is the backbone of society; with the knowledge we acquire at a young age, it permits us to go through the motions of life while developing the necessary skills and understandings to pursue our different goals. Having the opportunity to work in multiple school settings thus far has laid the ground work for the teacher I want to become. A teacher who creates an all-encompassing learning environment for their students.
I believe that inclusive education is vital in school. It allows all students to have an equivalent opportunity to learn and develop skills. Every student has the right to learn in the least restrictive environment; therefore, it is up to the education system to provide that experience for students. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to think about the needs of my students and to remove any barriers that may prevent them from learning to their full capacity. (Parkay et.al., 2012) Inclusive education is more than just a classroom with various types of learners; it is a way for teachers, parents, students and other members of the of the teaching team to collaborate and ensure success for all.
I want to create a classroom where students feel welcomed, comfortable and heard. My goal is to establish a warm and nurturing environment, where my purpose is to create a strong relationship individually and collectively with my students in order to help them succeed to their full potential. It is important for me to design lessons and activities that will encourage my students to be lifelong learners and stimulate them to take learning into their own hands. (Parkay et. al., 2012)I will teach my students in a way that they will understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process. It will be known to my students that my role as their teacher is to provide support and to do whatever it takes in order to help them flourish. I will provide consistent encouragement, positivity and uphold fairness between students. I hope to reach students in such a way that they feel comfortable in letting me guide them throughout their academic journey. I want the classroom community to be one in which students reinforce each other’s learning and celebrate each other’s achievements, however little they may be.
I believe that it is important to give students the freedom to create and explore in order to deepen their learning. (Parkay et.al., 2012)This in turn allows students to discover who they are and begin to form their identity which is an immense part of education. I want to ensure that each student has the space to question, create, speak freely and better themselves daily while respecting their environment and those around them.
As teachers, it is not only our students that learn; we must learn and grow from the experiences we share with our students. It is extremely rewarding when you have a positive influence by making a difference in the student’s lives and witness them leave each day with a smile on their face. Being a teacher requires patience, leadership, versatility/flexibility, and a positive attitude; qualities that I possess and aspire to bring into my classroom.
I look forward to my journey in this profession as teaching is very dear to my heart. I have the desire to make a change and implement everything I have learnt in order to help my students learn and grow. I want every one of my students to know that they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to.
My philosophy of education is strongly built on the concept of progressive education. After conducting various research about John Dewey and progressive education, I have found that this philosophy resonates with me and how I view myself as a teacher. I believe it is vital to provide our students with practical knowledge and problem‐solving skills while promoting social change. (Parkay et.al., 2012)It is important to address our students needs, while acknowledging their interests and prior experiences. When this is done, we remove barriers for our students, in turn, allowing them to develop in a way that is boundless.
As a teacher, it is crucial that I am organized in order to guide my students learning experiences in a way that is invigorating, initiating and shows progress. (Parkay et.al., 2012) Students must learn to become problem-solvers, use practical knowledge and acquire the skills to ensure that they are life-long learners.
There are many ways in which we can make sure that our students become life-long learners. Through problem‐solving; scientific methods; activity methods; experimental methods; project methods; and inductive methods, we can encourage students to take learning into their own hands and extend it beyond the classroom. (Parkay et.al., 2012)
My philosophy of education is supported by the following:
Parkay, F.W., Hardcastle Stanford, B., Vaillancourt, J.C.,Stephens, H.C., & Harris, J.R. (2012), Becoming a teacher (4thed.), Toronto, ON: Pearson.