Current Educational Philosophy

Elizabeth Subrin
April 16, 2014
_____________________________________________________________________
I believe it is my duty as a teacher to teach my students the academic skills based
on the subject area that I teach, important social skills, and basic human essentials.
Through my observance in the classroom and the articles read for our class, I have
realized that a teacher has a lot of influence on each individual child. It has become clear
to me that education should be seen as being about acquiring knowledge and skills, but
also about acquiring values and attitudes (Watkins 88).
The values a teacher holds are an essential determinant of their actions
(Watkins 82). This holds true to all kinds of teachers for all kinds students and is so
beyond important to the educational system. I have learned that I truly value empathy and
inclusiveness. Education requires the reduction of prejudice, development of an equity
pedagogy and field experiences to increase understanding of and sensitivity to cultural
diversity (Watkins 78). This statement signifies that teachers have a duty to develop
students social interactions in a non-exclusive way. I see a large importance on teaching
social skills because with manners and respect towards peers and elders, greater
opportunities can become available.
Furthermore, teachers that had a large impact on me and demonstrated qualities
that I would like to have as a person were those who showed understanding. I think
teachers must give guidance to students, who also must learn the significance of maintain
academic integrity. In guiding each student, I find it important to emphasize the
importance of keeping an academic honesty in all classes so that the student may be able
to find their strengths and weaknesses. When discovering their strengths, students should
be taught to feel sufficiently secure and trusted in order for them to feel able to reach out
and help others (Senah 29)
Current Educational Philosophy
Elizabeth Subrin
April 16, 2014
_____________________________________________________________________
I also want my students to find a balance between independence and respect. I
think it is vital for high school students to learn how to become independent and rely
more on themselves by preparing them for the real world as well as the college life. I
want to be able to give my students independence in order to gain their trust as well as
give them the opportunity to express themselves. I would like my students to apply their
knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach
(Watkins 88).
One of the keys to teaching involves personal development while keeping passion
in teaching and for students in learning. As a teacher, I must be alert to new research and
development in all fields of human learning and to the implications of these
developments for more effective teaching and school improvement (Senah 18). As a
teacher, I hope to emphasize the importance of creativity and organization. The capacity
to think creatively is essential to design-making and problem solving (Senah 100). As a
teacher I want to be creative in my lessons and teaching styles while being organized and
orderly. An unorganized teacher struggles in allowing students to convey their originality
due to lack of discipline with the students. In addition, organizing children and young
people to undertake projects and assignments enable them to confront their values and to
defend these values in public among their peers (Senah 110).
I will aim to empower children and young people with knowledge, skills and
attitudes to become informed decision-makers and to demonstrate behaviors that will
foster the promotion and protection of their personal development and the well-being of
their families and communities (Senah 21).

Current Educational Philosophy
Elizabeth Subrin
April 16, 2014
_____________________________________________________________________

Works Cited
Senah, Emmanuel Kwaku. "Core Curriculum Guide for Strengthening Morals and Values
Education in Educational Institutions In Trinidad and Tobago." Ministry of Education.
Curriculum Development Division, 28 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://www.
moe.gov.tt/curriculum_pdfs/Morals_and_Values_Curriculum_Prim.pdf>.
Watkins, Amanda & Donnelly, Verity (2014). Core Values as the Basis for Teacher
Education for Inclusion. Global Education Review, 1 (1). 76-92.