Philog #9

http://itsnotallflowersandsausages.blogspot.com/

Love this blogspot!  I have no idea where the author lives although she states that she is a teacher somewhere in the United States.  She is witty and and some great ideas on her site.  It's also amazing to me that she recently finished her dissertation and has a baby a little over a year old!  Wow......so motivated!  I enjoyed her recent post regarding the cheating scandal in the Atlanta area. 

Philosophy of Education-VERY Rough Draft

I did not enter college with the mindset of becoming a teacher.  To be honest, it was not even at the top of my list when trying to choose a field of study. Like most undecided freshmen, I took the required courses and on a whim signed up for my first introductory course to education.  It was that single decision that led me to later on become a classroom teacher. 

When considering what I know to be my philosophy of education, it is important that I must also evaluate what has influenced and brought me to this understanding.  The education that was provided to me would be considered as alternative to today’s standards as I was not a product of just public education.    A majority of my schooling years was as a homeschooler but I was also able to attend Christian, private, public, and British schools throughout my elementary through high school years.

As a Christian, what I believe, value, and know to be true is the foundation of my philosophy.  It shapes my entire belief system and therefore is reflected in my classroom.  All decisions that I make are made so that ultimately, I will bring glory to God.  When deciding on how to illustrate lessons, deal with behaviors, or even interacting with parents and cohorts, I am constantly evaluating if my actions are in line to what I have learned from biblical principles. 

Education has several purposes.  In a broader sense, it is used in allowing citizens to become responsible and self-sufficient.  Fudamentally, education is used to teach reading and writing.  It is the foundation for citizens to thrive in a society.  Without this, there would be a lack of moral and ethical values, and an environment that had no clear direction, ambition, or goals. 

I firmly believe that the process of gaining an education is a life-long endeavor.  Looking back, I remember thinking that graduating from high school would be a huge hurdle.  The next goal was college.  Upon graduating and moving into the classroom, I have now come to realize that learning never ceases.  Having this mindset has allowed me to further my knowledge in unusual areas and to gain understanding in what I thought at times what was the impossible to learn.  My desire is to challenge students to continue learning and to never stop pursuing their interests. 

As I have heard so often, I am the gatekeeper to what students will or will not be exposed to.  I am also very well aware that my attitude towards education also influences how my students will interpret different subject matter as well as their overall outlook on their learning.  It is my heart’s desire to impart an excitement for learning and to guide my students in a way that will encourage them to continue throughout their lifetime.    

Philog #6 - Philosophy of Education

I cannot get mine to copy and paste into this blog.  I think it's because I'm using a work computer.  I will try later this evening when I get home.  UGH.