PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1

Philosophy of Education

Clay N. Blackwood

North Greenville University

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Abstract

In order to become a great teacher, one must model an effective practitioner, caring leader and

lifelong learner. An effective practitioner is one that is knowledgeable of their field of study and

has the correct pedagogical skills to teach their students. Caring leaders demonstrate a genuine

concern for their students’ well being and are patient with them. Lifelong learners are constantly

looking for ways to better themselves as teachers. I believe if one exemplifies all of the

characteristics of these three models they will be the best teacher that they can be.
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Philosophy of Education

Teaching is one of the most important professions that one can pursue. They are

responsible for the upbringing and molding of the next generation of leaders. Therefore, it is vital

that they maintain a philosophy that exemplifies a great teacher. When examining what it takes

to become a great teacher, there are many characteristics that come to mind. All of these

characteristics fall under the categories of an effective practitioner, caring leader, and lifelong

learner.

In order to exemplify an effective practitioner, one must have a mastery over their field of

study. In order to teach any subject, one has to first understand all of the concepts that you are

trying to convey to the students. Second, one must understand how students learn best and

facilitate an environment that accommodates to their specific needs. According to Foundations

of American Education, research has proven that students from different cultures have different

learning styles. Therefore, it is important that teachers understand how their students learn and

gear their teaching styles towards how their students learn. Also, it is important for teachers to

develop the appropriate pedagogical skills to effectively relay the information to their students.

Without the ability to effectively communicate, the students will not learn no matter how well

you understand the subject matter.

Secondly, to exemplify what it means to be a great teacher you must show characteristics

of a caring leader. A caring leader is one that demonstrates a genuine love towards all of their

students. In his article “Twelve Characteristics of an Effective Teacher,” Robert Walker defines

what it means to be a great teacher. Of the twelve characteristics that he lists, nine of them are

characteristics are that of a caring leader. In concordance with his article, I believe that these
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aspects of a teacher are some of the most important. In my career as a student, the most

memorable teachers that I have had were the ones who were always positive and showed a

genuine interest in my well being. They were the ones that never got angry or frustrated, and

even if they did they did not show it. Caring leaders are forgiving and understanding when

students are struggling academically. They do not let students off the hook, but instead work

with them in order to prove their grades and encourage them to work harder and improve their

grade. The characteristics of a caring leader are the ones by which your students will remember

you, and students will not respect you and what you have to teach them unless you have shown

them that you care and respect them.

Lastly, the final aspect of a great teacher is that of a lifelong learner. A lifelong learner

models how students should learn. They demonstrate a fascination and passion for what they are

teaching and motivate their students to learn by giving them a reason to learn. Lifelong learners

are constantly looking for new information in their field of study to increase their realm of

knowledge. Not only are they looking to better themselves academically, but they are

consistently looking for ways to enhance their teaching styles and do a better job at conveying

the information. According to North Greenville University’s Teacher Education Handbook,

lifelong learners also keep up with the worlds’ evolving technology and put it to use in their

classrooms to help students stay engaged.

Teachers are the cultivators of the next generation, a responsibility that weighs heavily on

their shoulders and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is vital that teachers develop a

philosophy by which they conduct themselves in the classroom. In my case, I believe a good

teacher exemplifies characteristics of an effective practitioner, caring leader, and lifelong learner.
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I hope to model these three things in my classroom in the future and I hope in doing so I can

influence my students to move on and do great things in life.

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References
Webb, L., Metha, A., & Jordan, K. (2010). Foundation of American education. Upper Saddle ---

----------River, NJ: Merrill.

Teacher education handbook. (2016). Tigerville, SC: North Greenville University.

Walker, R. J. (Fall 2008). Twelve characteristics of an effective teacher. Educational Horizons. -

----------81. (1) 61-68.