Educational Philosophy: Although I can take good points from all of the major educational philosophies, I would most likely align with Essentialism and Progressivism. After being a home educator for over 20 years to several children through high school, I know that not all children learn the same way. They all have unique gifts to develop, and it's exciting to watch them grow as adults. Learning the essentials and fundamental skills in reading, writing and math are vital to have a good foundation on which to build on. It is also imperative for children to lead in their education and be encouraged to follow their interests and pursuits. There is no one size fits all curriculum or approach, and it is my desire to use a variety of strategies to find the perfect fit for each child in my classroom.