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Pamela Bryant
5 December 2016

Teaching Philosophy
The paragraphs below contain, what I believe, to be my educational philosophies and is
crucial in a childs information. My philosophy has been influenced by many people. Some of
them include my teachers as I was growing up, my college professors, my parents, and my
friends.
In this first paragraph, I will be talking about essentialism. Essentialism seeks to teach
students the basics. It suggests that specific knowledge and skills exist that all people should
possess (Kauchak & Eggen). Essentialists say that the purpose of schooling is to advance society
by providing a curriculum that includes the skills they need to function in todays world
(Kauchak & Eggen). There are some things in this philosophy that I do not agree with. I think
students need to learn the basics along with other things that will help them in their life like their
moral values. An example of essentialism is a teacher going in and teaching the students
something that they feel the students need to know and then ask questions about it (Kauchak &
Eggen). This is a behaviorists point of view. It is teacher directed. The teacher tells what they
want them to know and they dont focus on the students interests.
Social reconstruction is a philosophy asserting that schools, teachers, and students should
take the lead in addressing social problems and improving society (Kauchak & Eggen). Social
Reconstructionists say that schooling should be used to eliminate social inequities by creating a
new and more just society (Kauchak & Eggen). I think it is important for students to know how
to help the society, even the little things around them. I dont think anyone should be judged by

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their race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or their ability. Everyone in this world can make a
difference in our society, whether it is big or small. Small things can lead to big opportunities and
changes. An example of social reconstruction is a teacher telling their students some of the things
that are affecting society and encourage them to help others when they see a problem, but in the
right way. Even get them involved with different things that they can do at their age to help
society. This is a constructivists and a humanists point of view. They are focused more on the
students and help them to improve mentally and physically by getting them involved. They also
help them to care about others and the world around them.
These philosophies can affect learning many different ways, good and bad. Some of the
students or parents may not agree with the way you teach or believe. We all believe different
things. You should always make sure you do the best you can without creating bad feelings
between the students and the parents. I have told you what I believe my philosophies are. I have
also told you my opinion of them. There are still many different ways to teach, and I think that
everyone has a good point for what they believe in. We all believe in different things and we
need to remember that.

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Works Cited
Introduction to Teaching pgs 155,159, Kauchak & Eggen, 2014, Pearson