My Philosophy of Education

LBS 400

Michelle Garcias

April 14, 2018

 “I believe in the process, not just the product, the journey, not just the destination.”

(Alston 2008 p.110). This quote illustrates my philosophy of education. I believe that a child’s

learning experience and acquisition of knowledge is just as significant as the result of a

successful young adult. I think that a child’s educational journey can be more meaningful than

simply passing the grade. I always knew I wanted to be an educator. I pursued that goal and after

high school I applied at school districts determined to start out and gain knowledge and

experience. Now after 14 years in the same district I believe I have acquired that knowledge and

that experience I wanted. I have learned so much from my fellow teachers, who I had the

pleasure to work with, and from my students, who have given me the greatest fulfillment in life.

Over the years, I came to realize what kind of educator I am and want to continue to be. My

philosophy includes my view on what education is, what I believe is a positive learning

environment, the social justice aspects, the curriculum and what I think an effective teacher

should be.

Education to me is not just facts and memorization of those facts. Education to me takes a

more constructivist approach. “Constructivists believe that the learner actively constructs his or

her own understandings of reality through interaction with objects, events, and people in the

environment, and reflecting on these interactions.” (Cohen 1999). I believe that the purpose of

why we educate children is to teach them skills to build upon and then implement throughout

their lives. I want my current and future students to become intelligent and capable adults. I hope

that they have positive attitudes toward education as a tool not a task. The purpose of education

is simply to teach, which doesn’t necessarily begin with the teacher. Alston (2008) says,

“Everyone teaches. Parents are the child’s first teacher.” (p.12) Education is continuous and

indefinite.
 The learning environment is vital to a child success. Maria Montessori had her theory of a

beautiful and organized classroom. “Montessori believed that beauty and order are critical to

prepared environments for children.” (Mooney 2013 p.41). A positive learning environment is

important to me. I would want my students to feel comfortable in my classroom. The classroom

that is surrounded my positive thoughts encourages and motivates students, who are ready to

learn. In Allington and Cunningham’s (2016) book, Classrooms That Work, it stated that,

“Classrooms were caring, positive, cooperative environments, in which discipline issues were

handled quickly and quietly.” (p.5) In my experience I have seen classrooms that have

motivational posters and I like them. If I were a student those words would be inspiring. I know

that students’ eyes wander and look around the room, seeing those posters can prompt them to be

open to learning. Positivity is contagious.

Another aspect of my philosophy is social justice. In my school site I have many students

from other countries and from multiple backgrounds. I feel that it is important for these children

to be included in every aspect of the day. They should be afforded the same opportunity as the

other children. In my school we do our best to be inclusive and we offer services to help those

students assimilate to an English-speaking class. Economic backgrounds also should be

acknowledged but not broadcasted. It is essential to know your students. “No matter what socio-

economic background your students come from, their family members are valuable and have

something to contribute.” (Alston 2008 p.52). Understanding a child’s background can be useful

especially if there is a subject they can excel in. For example, I have a student from Japan and he

offered information about the culture of Ancient Japan which is what they are studying in class

currently. It was awesome that he not only felt included but that he contributed to the class
content. I believe that no child should be denied education or opportunity. I know that today

there are numerous resources so that every student gets the most out of their education.

Curriculum is the basis of education. We teach all the necessary and basic subjects such

as literature, science, math, etc. I believe all these classes are necessary but not separate. I know

there are ways to blend subjects. For example, literacy skills can be implemented in a social

studies class same as math can be applied in a science class. Many subjects overlap. During my

observations I have seen how subject matter can be applied to build a skill. In the social studies

class I observed we did a group project on the Greek gods and goddesses. They had to do

research and then make a presentation. It incorporated both social studies and language arts. I

think lessons like that are useful and creative. I also think that your students should guide the

lesson. My students are who I teach and to effectively teach what needs to be taught, it is

favorable to know your students and use that to plan your lessons. Alston (2008) states, “We all

have curricula that we must follow, but we can teach the required lessons and teach them well,

while allowing children the opportunity to express their creative genius.” (p.79).

I happen to agree with several theories and I draw inspiration from many of the

wonderful teachers I have worked with. One theory that I agree with is social constructivism. I

agree that students learn better when language and culture is implemented. “According to

Vygotsky, language and culture play essential roles both in human intellectual development and

in how humans perceive the world.” (Berkeley 2018). I also believe that children learn better

with tangible objects. I think if a concept is relatable the children will have a better

understanding and can perhaps apply that concept to their lives. Leo Nora M. Cohen (1999)

states, “Cognitivists or Constructivists believe that the learner actively constructs his or her own

understandings of reality through interaction with objects, events, and people in the environment,
and reflecting on these interactions.” I would like to incorporate the lessons in the classroom to

be part of the lessons outside the classroom as well. “Cognitive apprenticeship supports learning

in a domain by enabling students to acquire, develop and use cognitive tools in authentic domain

activity. Learning, both outside and inside school, advances through collaborative social

interaction and the social construction of knowledge.” (Lave 2007). Effective teachers need to

understand their role. My primary responsibility is to educate but I can’t do that until I get to

know who I am teaching. That’s why I agree with the “get to know you” activities teachers do

within the first couple of days of school. I understand that a teacher is more than just an educator

but needs to be someone a child can trust. An effective teacher goes above and beyond to show

their students that they are important. For me, teaching isn’t just a job Monday through Friday.

While I do take time for myself, I do also think about what I can do to be a better teacher, what I

can do to better my students. “Keep giving your all, for the children.” (Alston 2008 p.129). I go

to every training and staff development day that is offered because there always new techniques

and strategies to learn. As my students grow, I do as well. I learn things like patience and

flexibility. Every year my students enrich my life as I have hopefully enriched theirs.

Teaching is not easy. We have our good and bad days like everyone else. The difference

is that we can’t lose perspective of what we are doing. We are shaping the future. I believe that

our purpose is to make tomorrow better. I take things day by day. I do what I can to make sure

my students have the best learning experience by providing a positive learning environment and

shaping the curricula to match my students’ interests. In addition, I also will include and

welcome all students, no matter what circumstances maybe factors in their education. My

philosophy is that teaching is a calling and I strive to be the best teacher I can be. I know that I

will take all I have learned and what I will still learn and apply that to my classroom. My views
may change over the years, but one thing I know that will remain constant is the fact that no

matter what, “The chance to change even just one child’s life, is priceless.” (Garcias 2018-my

own quote). Being a teacher and seeing my students succeed is the most fulfilling moments of

my life.
 References

Allington, Richard and Cunningham, Patricia (2016) Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read

and Write New Jersey, Pearson Education Inc.

Alston, Linda (2008) Why We Teach New York, Scholastic Inc.

Mooney, Carol Garhart (2013) Theories of Childhood Second Edition Minnesota, Red Leaf Press

Cohen, LeoNora M. (1999) OSU - School of Education

http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.html

David L, "Situated Learning Theory (Lave)," in Learning Theories, January 17, 2007,

https://www.learning-theories.com/situated-learning-theory-lave.html

Graduate Student Instructor: Teaching and Resource Center Social Constructivism (2018)

http://gsi.berkeley.edu/gsi-guide-contents/learning-theory-research/social-constructivism/