What do you believe is the purpose of schooling for society and humanity?
My Philosophy of Education is that every child and their situation is unique and different- not one student is the same! As an educator, my mission will be to have an environment that focuses on equity and inclusion in the classroom. I once heard a quote that said "Fair" does not mean that every child gets the same treatment, but that every child gets what they need to thrive" and that really resonated with me because creating an environment that provides equity, inclusion, and supports learning for every student is essential.
Embracing the philosophy that every child is unique underscores the importance of personalized learning approaches that cater to individual needs and circumstances. By prioritizing equity and inclusion in the classroom, educators can create environments where every student feels valued and supported in their educational journey. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, enabling students to reach their full potential and become active participants in shaping a more just and equitable society. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of learners, education becomes a transformative force for both individuals and society as a whole.
What do you believe about children?
Children are inherently curious, driven by a natural inclination to explore and make sense of the world around them. Their innate curiosity forms the foundation upon which effective educational experiences can be built, as they are most receptive to learning when actively engaged in hands-on activities and immersive learning environments. Recognizing and harnessing this curiosity is key to unlocking their full potential and nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
In the classroom, I believe in employing a diverse range of teaching strategies to accommodate the individual learning styles and preferences of each student. From visual aids to group collaboration, from outdoor learning experiences to personalized instruction, providing varied opportunities for engagement ensures that all learners have the chance to thrive. Moreover, creating a supportive and inclusive environment is paramount, where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. By fostering a culture of creativity, empathy, and enthusiasm for learning, educators can inspire those transformative "lightbulb" moments that ignite a passion for knowledge and equip students with the skills and mindset necessary for success in both their academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom.
What do you believe about the role of a teacher and what are your personal values?
I firmly believe that the role of a teacher extends far beyond simply imparting knowledge; it encompasses guiding, inspiring, and creating an environment where students can thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. A teacher should serve as a mentor, facilitator, and role model, helping students navigate the complexities of learning while instilling a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. To effectively fulfill this role, teachers must possess a diverse range of qualities, including patience, adaptability, passion, and kindness. These traits enable teachers to connect with students on a personal level, understand their individual needs and learning styles, and create meaningful learning experiences that cater to the diverse backgrounds and abilities of their students.
As an aspiring educator, my personal values are deeply intertwined with my vision of teaching. I am committed to fostering creativity, empathy, inclusion, and acceptance within my classroom. I believe in creating a safe and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to express themselves authentically. Embracing diversity and celebrating differences will not only enrich the educational experience but also instill a sense of belonging and community in the students. By fostering empathy and acceptance in my classroom, I aim to supply my students with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and diverse world with compassion and understanding.
What do you believe about curriculum?
My Philosophy of Education revolves around creating a curriculum deeply rooted in equity and inclusion. I believe that education should not only produce knowledge and skills but also empower students to become active participants in building a more just and compassionate society. My curriculum will aim to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among students by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the learning process. By exposing students to a wide range of cultural, historical, and social topics, I seek to teach them a greater appreciation for the value of diversity and equity, empowering them to challenge injustice and inequality.
Aligned with Nelson Mandela's powerful quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," I view prioritizing equity and inclusion in education as essential for nurturing empathetic, socially conscious leaders capable of effecting positive change. By nurturing students' understanding of social justice issues and providing them with the skills to critically analyze and address them, we can cultivate a generation of individuals who are not only academically proficient but also committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive society as a whole.
Philosopher of Education Research Project
During the Spring semester of 2024, I researched a philosopher of education who profoundly inspires my vision of the educator I aspire to become. One significant aspect of Delpit's work is her emphasis on fostering inclusivity, particularly in diverse classrooms. This resonates deeply with me, as I am a firm advocate for inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of education. Creating an environment where students, families, faculty, and colleagues feel safe and welcomed is vital to me as I am becoming an educator.