Philosophy of Education

When I made my decision to become a teacher, I did so on many experiences that I had in
my previous career. As a Detention Officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, I had
interactions with many types of individuals. Many of these young men and women had been in
the criminal justice system most of their lives. They had been accused of crimes ranging from
theft to murder. What I found it a lot of their lives is they did not finish high school. I
understand that this would not be the only reason they would be in jail, but I knew that having a
positive experience in school may have helped change their paths. As Abraham Lincoln said,
“Teach the children so it won't be necessary to teach the adults” (Lincoln, n.d.).
The purpose of an education is to learn and grow as a person and to improve your life and
abilities. As a teacher it will be my job to help these young men and women achieve these
things. Learning is a life long endeavor. At times, it can be a struggle for some. For those that
do struggle, kindness and compassion will be needed. As a teacher, I will try and show them that
kindness by helping them. Taking care of my students both mentally and physically will be part
of my teaching plan.
Students have the ability to change what they know or add to the knowledge they already
possess. All students have the capability to learn. As a teacher, it will be my responsibility to
help in the process of learning. I will need to make adjustments as necessary, to help the kids.
This will also depend on their physical, social and emotional development. Each one is different,
and they learn differently. As a history/social studies teacher, the students will learn only the
most important facts of the content I will teach. I will aid in the expansion of their academics
and academic minds. My pupils will learn to feel better about themselves and about learning in
general. Students will need to aid in their own education. They will be expected to participate in
the class and activities. It will be necessary for the student to conduct themselves in a manner
that is respectful of the teacher and other students.
Parents are in integral part of their child’s education. They need to be involved in this
process almost as much as the student does. I will attempt to include them in my teaching
process, informing them of their child’s progression and development, both good and bad.
Parents can help the student, emotionally as well. They need to love and help them to do the best
they can. Leading them will be the parent’s job too. As a parent myself, I know how important
it is to be involved in the education of my son. I try to support his teachers and I hope that I will
receive the same during my time.
Bringing the community into the realm of education is an important part of the overall
process of teaching and learning. This society is responsible in providing the resources needed
for both students and the teachers. Building public support for education is important for all
those involved. I believe that being part of the populace you teach in will show those in that
community that you are sincere in teaching their children or grandchildren. I hope to be the
person they can look to as someone who will be there and actively involved in the events outside
of school.
 The teacher, student, parent, and the community all have a separate but equal, integral
cog in the machine that is education. As the leader of the classroom, it will be my job to be the
main Taking the classicist approach in teaching, I will try and be a leader as well as a mentor and
example. I will learn all that I can, to gain the knowledge I want to share. I want to be fair to all
of those that come into my classroom as well as those I meet throughout my career, colleague or
student. I do not consider myself to be the best at anything, but when I instruct, I will be the try
to be the best teacher in the classroom every day. I will leave you with a quote from the great
puppeteer Jim Henson, he said “Kids don't remember what you try to teach them. They
remember what you are” (2005).