The philosophy of education that best decribes
me is somewhere between Essentialism and Progressivism. Essentialism works around core curriculum. It teaches the basics,
which are math, literature, and history. To essentialists, the elective course are seen to drag down the academic content
for students. Essentialist classrooms are focused around the teacher, who teach what they believe to be the most important
material for students, regardless of their personal interests. Progressivism works to help student learn through social interaction
within the real world. Within Progressivism, book learning is no substitute for actually doing things. Students work on stating
a problem, developing ways to solve the problem, and testing a possible solution. The Progressivist classroom is a student-centered
classroom, in which students are mainly working in small groups. No two groups are working on the same thing, but all
are focused on their own individual interests. The teacher walks around to help each group but does not focus on any specific
material for all students. These two philosophies combined fit my personal teaching style because I enjoy teaching things
that are both teacher and student-centered material. By acting as a role model for students, I have the benefit of being a
major part of a child's life.
Teaching in a diverse classroom is difficult for every teacher. My beliefs
basically consist of making sure that no student is left out or gets confused with any material that I go over. No two students
learn the same way or at the same speed, and it is my personal responsibility to make sure that I reach out to each student
and know their personal ways of learning. Working one on one with each student as well as teaching a classroom as a whole
can benefit all students and keep them at the same pace and on the same track.
My legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in the classroom revovle
around my students. Teaching them as if they were each the same helps benefit them as well as myself because it keeps problems
from arising between the students, the students family, and the teacher. Legally, I am covered from any type of issues that
may arise within the classroom, but it is up to me to know how to respond to each situation in the best way possible.
Core values vary from person to person. My two main core values are success
and happiness. These two things combined can make anyone a better person overall. Success builds the strength for a person
and challege someone each and everyday. Being happy with life and enjoying what you do is the key to success. These two core
values describe me perfectly and both play a major role in my life and for my future.
I want to teach because I enjoy the wonderful feeling from working hard and
being able to express my love for something to someone else. Working with children and helping them is my passion. Ever since
I can remember, teaching has always been fascinating to me and I have always made a special bond with each of my teachers
throughout my years in school. I look forward to building the same relationship one day with my own students.
