My Education Philosophy Statement

(Written October 27, 2008)

Many of you know that I have decided to pursue a career in Elementary Education, in addition to Film. Education is extremely important to me, especially when it comes to teaching young children. So, with that in mind, it's important to me to have opinions from a wide variety of different people as to how they think education should be approached. Below is a paper I wrote for my History and Philosophy of Education class that I'm currently taking. If you care to read it, and leave comments on what you think, please do. Any criticism is welcome. Thanks!

"Education Philosophy Statement

When I think of my educational background, and what had the biggest impact on me, my mind always goes back to my elementary school years. I have very clear, distinct memories of certain teachers from my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades especially. The reason I remember them so fondly is mostly because they made it very clear that they cared about me as a human being. They cared about how they could have a positive impact on my future. In my mind, they were into the profession of teaching for the right reasons. Specifically, my 2nd and 4th grade teachers were largely responsible for my pursuing my interest in writing. Through constructive feedback and support, they helped me to cultivate my talent that would ultimately impact almost every aspect of my life.

When I begin to teach elementary school professionally, I hope to be able to introduce my students to a wide variety of different subjects, and help them gain a general knowledge of each. I hope to accomplish this, not just through tests, worksheets, and textbooks, but also through intellectually engaging activities, field trips, and active class participation and discussion. Learning the basics of math, English, and science is important, but I feel they need to be taught in a pragmatic way. Children will learn better if they are interested in, and can see the point of, the material. Growing up, mathematics was always my worst subject. If it were taught to me in the way it’s taught in some other countries—getting me to think of it in an artistic way, as an example—I am positive I would have done better in the subject. Many children all over the country struggle with math, English, and/or science. I believe all of these subjects would benefit from their being taught practically, and with social implications infused therein. Children will be better able to wrap their minds around—and perhaps even care about, and be excited for—subjects that do sometimes require rote learning if they can see the purpose of it all. In my mind, it is also important for them to learn to have fun with it. Art of varying kinds should also be a core part of the curriculum, without being treated as secondary or less important than other subjects. Artistic and social activities are absolutely critical for every aspect of a child’s development.

I believe my role as teacher will be that of a role model and friend. It will be my responsibility to provide tools, which will enable my students to learn in the most positively effective way possible. To me, it is extremely important that the students and I learn together. If the students see that I’m learning with them, I believe it will give them motivation and excitement to move enthusiastically forward in their education. In my mind, there needs to be a very clear goal that whatever I help them learn will lead them to become positive contributors to society, and to the world. It is indeed my sacred responsibility, ultimately, to help them see and become their full selves. There would be no higher accomplishment than for me to help students see that their potential is truly limitless, and that they can do anything they set their minds to.

Learning activities will consist of things that will get their minds to think practically about the subjects. Classroom activities, such as hands-on experience and discussion will be important. I’ll also use visual aids, games, songs, etc., that will help stimulate their minds, and also help with memorization. Homework, readings, and tests will be given, but it will not simply be “busy work.” Within my current thinking, it will be important for homework to have some practical correlation with the next day’s classroom activities.

In my classroom, everyone will feel equal. That aspect is extremely important to me. I will never give praise that inspires competition among the students. There will be no such thing as a “teacher’s pet.” It will be important for me to answer questions, and never make students feel bad for asking. Good, respectful communication will be something that students will come to expect. In terms of grading, I will never simply stamp a letter grade on assignments. I will always use constructive comments, being sure to include things I expect from the assignment, things they did well at, and things they can improve on.

All throughout the scriptures, there are many examples of how missionaries taught the gospel. Invariably, the missionaries who taught with love were the ones that were the most successful. To me, it is critically important for teachers to truly love their students, almost as if they were their own children. I must ask myself, “Why do I want to teach children?” The answer must always be, “because I love them as being a part of the human family I belong to; because I truly care about their future, and how they can get the very most that this beautiful, exciting life has to offer; and because I have this intense desire for them to feel that their potential is truly, unequivocally limitless!”