Philosophy 1

Running head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT OF EDUCATION

Philosophy Statement
Kourtney Staker
Instructor: Dr. Egbert
EDUC 290: Education Exit Seminar






Philosophy 2

Philosophy Statement
Each child is an artist who simply needs the right materials to create a masterpiece,
otherwise known, as their future. The process will be full of new responsibilities, challenges, and
frustrations; yet, this creative process is also exciting and joyous. All children have the ability to
learn but they must receive direction and motivation from educators. The teachers educational
philosophies and techniques are what lead to each students success. Students exude creativity
when they have facilitated access to an education that meets their individual needs.
There are three philosophies in the book that I fall into equally. The first philosophy is
pragmatism. The aspect of this philosophy I find suitable is that students need to construct their
own understanding of reality in order to learn, and they are capable of doing so by experience.
Along with pragmatism, I also find myself agreeing with both existentialism and idealism.
Students can define their own meaning in life and try to make rational decisions.
According to my philosophical beliefs, I find my perception of education closely relating
to each of the four branches of philosophy. Regardless, progressivism is another philosophy tied
to pragmatism that I believe is pertinent, because children are allowed to test their ideas through
active experimentation. This teaching allows active learning, and school remains interesting and
provokes curiosity in students. Schools should also teach social qualities such as tolerance for
different points of view and cooperation. Humanism should also be a theory used to teach since
it is a natural tendency for people to learn. Similar to an artist, who finally recognizes their
creative outlet and prospective success, a student will flourish if he is nourished and encouraged
in his environment. Guidance and hands-on learning would provide endless progression of
education in each students lifetime love of learning.
Philosophy 3

As an educator, I desire to provide a safe learning environment in my classroom for my
students. When children feel safe and cared for they are more capable of reaching their fullest
educational potential; in reference, this is something I learned from my personal experiences in
the classroom. I am definitely a visual learner. I find myself following this learning style even
through my philosophical preferences. However, by establishing a connection with each of my
students I will know their learning styles and do my best to accommodate them so they enjoy
their learning experiences.
In order to accomplish all of my goals I must remain approachable, fair, and
nondiscriminatory. I want all of my students, their parents, fellow teachers, and administrators to
feel comfortable coming to me with any issues. Overall, my principal goal is striving to instill a
lifetime love of learning within each student I contact. I venture to provide the right supplies to
be the difference between a child-like doodle and an artistic masterpiece.