My Philosophy of Education

My Philosophy of Education

John Dewy once said that “education is a social preparation . . .education is growth . . . education is not a preparation for life, education is life itself.” Dewey’s statement represents the roots of my educational philosophy. I believe that school is a place where students develop social skills that will equip them for the rest of their lives. I believe that school is a place where students grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. I believe that school is not only a major tool in the real world battle against ignorance and poverty, but it is also place where dreams come true. I hope to instill creativity, imagination, and fundamental morals that will follow a child throughout his or her life. As a teacher I hope to promote social interaction, encourage, and motivate growth, and have a positive effect on the lives of my students.

In today’s society, there are those who take an essentialist point of view, those who prefer navigating our students back to the basic structured principles of reading, writing, and arithmetic. I feel this method creates a robot generation that would be perfectly capable of reciting the Gettysburg Address, but would be unable to discuss the reason it was given. I believe that educators should strive to use this fundamental and structured subject matter to introduce critical thinking and creativity, while incorporating cooperative learning and discussion. I feel the integration of social skills with fundamental knowledge molds a young mind into a confident and productive learner, one who is capable of engaging in critical thinking and intelligent communication. This should be the primary objective of public education.

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...al, and I feel that I can have a positive impact when the slate is clean.

At some point in their educational career, almost everyone is inspired by a teacher. Teachers not only have an effect on the present life of the child, but they also directly affect who this child will become. I want to teach children in order to better their lives. I want to give them the social skills and communication skills they need in order to be a competitive force. I want to help them grow and reach their full potential. I want them to enjoy school and have fond memories of their early education years. My goal as a teacher is to one day be able to look back and say that I was once one of those teachers who made a difference in someone’s life. I want to be a teacher who not only prepares students for life, but one who, through education, gives a child “life itself.”