Diana Smoltz

Philosophy Statement:
In the United States we are fortunate to have the right to a free education; this
right was established because educating the voting populous is the only way to
successfully maintain a democratic society. Since the people are responsible for decisionmaking, it is vital that they have been educated comprehensively. Part of a
comprehensive education is providing students with the ability to fulfill their potential. If
a students potential is to be fulfilled, their physical, intellectual, and emotional capacities
must be nurtured. Although I believe that fragmenting the human experiences is
inherently disadvantageous, it is a simple way to view to education, especially with our
current system. On of the ways academia has been divided is into the natural sciences,
and the humanities.
The natural sciences are inarguably important and address many physical and
intellectual capacities that sustain life, however, the humanities give purpose to that
maintenance. This is why the arts are so importantthey nurture the most intimate parts
of the human experience, which is precisely why music belongs in our public schools.
The intrapersonal enlightenment that occurs from exploring the arts is invaluable, and
since most people can identify with music, the opportunity to grow by studying it must be
available. This point gains validity when considering that school may be the only place
students have to learn about themselves, and others, in this manner.
This is precisely why I want to teach music. I believe that every person deserves
the opportunity to experience life in this way. Not only do I think it is an individual right,
but I am convinced that society needs people who have this type of intrapersonal

knowledge. I know that studying music has led me to insights that without it would have
gone unimagined.
These lofty goals demand excellence from the all educators. I will do my best as
to meet this need by founding my teaching in genuineness, respect, and a passion for
music. The power of genuine caring is perhaps the most underappreciated of skills.
Students respond when they know that you actually care about themnot just because it
is your job and youre supposed tobut because you truly do. I am also a firm believer,
that earned or not, everyone deserves a basic level of respect. The belief is reflected in
my commitment to even the most challenging of students. However, I do understand that
not everyone shares this belief. So, through my professional preparation and daily follow
through, I will work to earn that respect from those who do not think it is inherent.
Finally, I know from personal experience that I have been inspired in subjects that I
havent even connected with simply by an educators excitement and passion. It is my
hope that my honest passion will inspire students similarly.
Music is an innate part of the human experience. Historically it has found its way
in the most dismal and uplifting of times. Music connects to the very thing that makes us
human. This is why it belongs in our schools; this is why it deserves quality educators to
share it. Personally, I cannot imagine a better way to spend my life than to spread this
experience to those who desire it, for the betterment of each individual, and society as a
whole.