EDUC 2110

December 4, 2007

S. Fandel

Philosophy of Education

            I have an essentialist philosophy. This is a teacher centered philosophy meaning, the teacher’s role is to instill respect for authority, perseverance, duty, consideration and practicality. An Essentialist teaches students the knowledge of civilization through core courses in the traditional academic disciplines. Essentialists teach the knowledge the core curriculum, which all schools require students to study. Essentialists also believe the classroom should be centered around the teacher. The teachers and administration decide what is best for the child or what is most important. This philosophy fits me because when I start teaching, I want to feel like I am being effective. I do not want to be a teacher that is just holding a position and not really doing my job. I want my students to learn what is required. When a student leaves my room, I want to be able to know that we have gotten something accomplished. Extra curricular activities are not as important to me if the students do not know what is required of them to be able move on to the next grade level. I believe the students should be dependent upon me to be a role model for them and to be the best teacher I can be for them.

            An essentialist school believes that teachers should focus on fewer topics and teach more in depth. These schools test students on knowledge of what they have learned. They believe that standardized testing is the only way to test students’ knowledge of what they supposedly learned. Diversity is another issue in these schools. I plan on treating every student equally. Equality has been known to be a big issue in some schools. I believe that every student, regardless of race, gender, or learning ability should be treated equal, with respect, consideration, and compassion. A teacher should not have favorites. In order to reach my diverse students, I hope to be able to enforce inclusion in my classroom. By using the inclusion method every student will get the proper attention they need.

            My legal, ethical, and professional duties as a teacher are very important. Legally, I need to choose carefully my choice of words in front of students, my body language, and most importantly, I need to be teaching up to standard. Ethically, I need to make sure I am a role model and I will probably think about what is morally correct. On the professional level, it is self explanatory. I will act professionally at the appropriate times. I believe in treating everyone the same way I want to be treated. By doing this I am being fair to everyone, students, teachers, and administration. My values can help me to be a better role model most importantly for my students.

            I want to teach because I love everything about being around children. I also want to feel like I have had a positive effect on someone’s life. The weight of this responsibility opens me up to a more mature level because it’s a big responsibility.