Philosophy of Education

Karen Teel

I see that the main purpose of education today is to give each learner the opportunity to
reach his or her fullest aptitude in order to live ethically, imaginatively, and productively in
society. Education should reach beyond a sole focus on intellectual growth, and promote growth
of students in all aspects of life, equipping them to reach their highest potential. It is an
educators duty to guide his or her students toward self-discovery and instilling in them the drive
to become their absolute best self. A teacher must constantly and consistently encourage
students to grow through nurturing and enriching the students life as they are learning. I
believe that such learning enabling students to gain this holistic preparation for their future
occurs through experiences that help students connect content to conceptual meanings. In the
classroom, students need the opportunity to struggle through challenges that are simulations
applicable to reality outside of the curriculum and books. This means that the teacher facilitates
students explorations, with the goal that students take ownership of their own learning. My
teaching facilitates this self-discovery mode of learning through differentiated instruction that
gives students the opportunity to problem-solve and come to their own conclusions based on
their successes and failures in the classroom. With realistic yet high expectations for every
student, it is my goal to hold students to a high intellectual and moral standard through
curriculum that encompasses all of the dimensions of human experience.
I strongly believe that all children are capable of learning and should be encouraged to
fully participate in educational opportunities provided. Each child has their own set of
weaknesses, strengths, and needs, which the teacher must be mindful of in order to provide
them with an educational experience that enables them to reach complete efficiency. In order to
maintain neutrality and equality in the classroom, it is a necessity for educators to be open-
minded, flexible, and completely aware of each student as an individual. I believe that the more
a teacher is invested in the lives of students, the more thoroughly the teacher will be able to
address their diverse needs in lessons and activities, as well as create an inclusive classroom
environment that is welcome to all.In order to create a learning-inducing environment for all
students, I see that teachers must promote safety and comfort every day through consistency
and structure in every element of the classroom. With an attitude of flexibility and adaptability,
teachers must set clear expectations for students. I also believe that a teacher must practice
communication with honest and constructive feedback so that the students develop self-respect
and discipline as they grow. I believe that it is essential for educators to accept that every child
will not need discipline, but every child needs guidance throughout their learning experience.
Multiple means of assessment must be practiced in the classroom to ensure that
learners of every modality are reached and given the chance for success reflected through
sincere scores and results. I believe that each student should be pushed towards improvement
in every area of himself or herself to grow to their full aptitude. Student learning, however, is not
always reflected through high assessment scores. As the students grow in the classroom, they
can also learn from failures. I believe that student learning will be most authentically evident
through student application of knowledge, which goes hand in hand with their development of
ownership of what they are learning. When students understand the why behind the how of
content, they will be able to apply the content with meaning, which is evident of true learning
and attainment of knowledge.
As one of the greatest investors in a childs life, teachers must be engaged through
participation and a prideful outlook in the community. Because I believe that students can reach
their highest efficiency in a supportive environment, I plan to have healthy relations with parents,
administration, fellow educators and the community to ensure that the students are receiving the
sustenance they need to grow, making myself approachable as well resourceful.