Philosophies of Education

Some of the major philosophies of education in the US today include

• promote the fundamental philosophic treatment of the problems of education
• promote the clarification of agreements and differences among the several philosophies of education through the opportunities for discussion afforded by annual meetings
• advance and improve teaching in the philosophy of education both in schools for the education of teachers and in other educational institutions
• cultivate fruitful relationships between workers in general philosophy and workers in philosophy of education
• cultivate fruitful relationships between scholars in philosophy of education and those in other areas of education, and
• encourage promising students in the field of philosophy of education.

I believe that the philosophies on education are an ongoing process that can be changed at any moment in time. There is not set philosophy on education that is right or wrong, instead it is based on your own beliefs and what you do as a teacher to implement those beliefs throughout your teaching. In regards to these standards, I believe that any teacher can advance and improve at any given time, which goes for the school district  as well. One cannot simply put a limit on education and knowledge. Learning is endless and everyone can learn a lesson from anyone. As a teacher you learn lessons daily from your own mistakes as well as your students. As a teacher you also learn form your colleges, from their mistakes and from their years of experience teaching as well. I also believe that encouraging students and promising them a proper education is extremely important. Students should continuously be motivated to succeed, especially in terms of education. They should also be promised and given the opportunity to receive a high quality education at all times and no matter what school they are attending. 

My own philosophy on education is as follows...

"Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own" (Nikos Kazantzakis). As a teacher, I believe that it is our responsibility to guide our students in the right direction and inspire them to create their own path. Where that path takes them, is their own decision and fate, however; our role is to prepare them for what may come. Education is a door open to endless possibilities and as a teacher I believe it is my job to share these possibilities with my students in the best ways that I can. Through the help of the other staff members, the school, and the community, our job as educators is to work together to provide our students with a positive learning environment in order to prepare them for the real world. 

School is viewed as a sense of unity and a place where people come together to learn, share ideas, and inspire from within. To some, a school is a safe ground and a welcoming environment where students can be themselves and feel comfortable without judgment. School is where students join together, create every lasting memories, and grow as individuals. As a teacher, experiencing a student's growth and success is extremely rewarding and motivating knowing you have made an impact. In my classroom, I will educate and drive my students to be unique, to be responsible, and to be avid learners at all times. I believe that these qualities are essential for student growth and future development. As a community, education will be promoted continuously and I will do my best to prepare my students for the future. 

School leaders are professionals that work together to find the best possible resources for their students, making them their main focus. A leader consistently has the student’s best interest in mind and will sacrifice "the me for the we" at any given time. Students need someone who they can look up to as a positive role model which is why school leaders are vital in every school setting. A school leader is approachable, understandable, and accommodating to students in need of advice and guidance. As a teacher, I will understand the diversity among the students and will work together with my staff members to create a warm and inviting environment within the school and community. 

Students frequently learn through their own curiosity and experiences. I believe that students should be given opportunities to explore their interests and discover on their own what they are passionate about in life. Through the school's curriculum, students can explore various settings and obtain deeper knowledge based upon the subjects and sections that captivate them the most. I believe that it is a teacher’s responsibility to teach their lessons in numerous styles in order to adequately reach out to every student. Teachers need to guide their students more often and drive them to their own success by just believing in them and giving them that initial drive. 

As a community, it is extremely important for the teachers, parents, and other members to join forces and work together. When everyone is behind the students best interest that is when the school is the most effective and successful. Parents must continuously be aware of their child's achievements and progress in order to support the teachers and what they are doing in the classroom. Through simple notices or memos, any sort of communication is essential towards the effective learning process. Parents have a significant impact on their child's life and with their support and influence; I truly believe that any student can achieve greatness. 

As a teacher, I believe that students learn through their own mistakes, their own experiences, and through their own success. There is only so much a teacher can do before the students must take it upon themselves to make the right decisions and become aware of their own potential. Through the countless lessons taught and the advice given, teachers can only hope that their students believe in themselves as much as we believe in them. Knowledge is power and it derives from various physical, emotional, and social occurrences that any student may experience. As an educator, I will do my best to teach my students push them into believing that anything is possible at any given time.