My Philosophy of Education
 

    Elementary education is the root of all learning. During the years of elementary school, children learn the basics from tying their own shoes, to complicated social lessons involving friends and families. They learn how to add, how to read and how to write. They also leave elementary school having grown and matured into unique individuals. In order for every child to reach these goals, teaching methods must be adaptive and flexible to meet the needs of every child. In turn, a teacher’s philosophy must also be flexible and be able to mature and grow over the years of his/her career.

    My own philosophy of education is based on a cooperative, safe and comfortable learning environment. In order for these to transpire, many aspects must be included. First and foremost, teaching cannot be done alone; teachers need a strong support staff in order to succeed. Teachers need to be part of a team and to know that they have colleagues to turn to whenever they feel the need. Teaching in our society requires more than just teaching, it also requires patients, an understanding of children and caring for all students as individuals. This is a formidable task to ask just one person, therefore the need for an open ear and strong shoulders to lean on may allow teachers to feel less excluded and more of a team.

    Teachers need to vary their techniques and to pay careful attention to the needs of all their students. Teaching means introducing new ideas, explaining problems, and confirming and praising success. It also involves viewing each student as a unique and individual learner. Techniques and strategies that work for one child may not work on another child. Therefore, education involves listening, interacting and providing positive feedback for each individual in the classroom so that he or she may reach their full potential as a learner.

    Finally, teachers must never stop being learners themselves. With new ideas and strategies being discovered, teachers must also work on their own professional development in order to grow as teachers. Teachers cannot pass on to their students the value of learning, if they themselves do not continue exploring new ides and gaining knowledge.

    Education does not end in the classroom. The energy, time and commitment which teachers put into their work is reflected in each and every student as they leave the classroom and enter the "real world", secure with the knowledge they have gained.