As a teacher I am committed to:

My philosophy of education is eclectic, based on several philosophical views, including:

• Progressivism  (allowing the students to learn how to think for themselves and learn through direct experiences and encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills) 

I will teach by allowing students to write and read about current and future issues. I will teach students to think for themselves by asking probing questions and requiring them to reflect about events.  I will have a democratic classroom in which the children will be involved in creating classroom rules that they are willing to follow.

• Perrennialism (teaching the classics)

I will incorporate classic literature and classical music compositions into my lesson plans. I feel the classics are a very important part of the curriculum because students must be aware of the past, as well as the present and future. I feel that teaching the classics will help me foster creativity in my classroom. 

• Essentialism (teaching the essential skills such as the 3-R’s)

I will teach the students essential skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, science and computer skills, so that each student becomes an educated person who can live a productive life. Essential skills are very important for every child to learn if he or she plans to begin a job after high school or further their education. 

While teaching the essentials and classics, I will encourage students to think for themselves, voice their opinions, and listen to the opinions of their classmates. I will encourage the students to work together and help each other learn.

I feel values, morals, manners, and ethics must also be taught in the classroom.  My own values and morals should not be forced on the students, but the students should learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in society.  Each student comes from a different background, with different beliefs.  The students should be taught to be proud of their ethnic heritage, and to celebrate their culture, and should be encouraged to share their world views with their classmates.  Through experience, examples, modeling, and minimal guidance, students will learn and incorporate values, morals, manners and ethics.

Through experiences with teachers who have taught me in the past and experiences with my own children, I have developed a personal philosophy of education that works best for me.  The heart of my philosophy is my belief that each student is an individual and his/her unique gifts and talents should be respected.  Every student learns differently, has a different background, and will choose a different path in life.  My philosophy allows each student to be the best possible person she or he can be.