McKenna Gault

EDU 201-1001

Portfolio Project #12

4/28/19

Philosophy of Education

I have chosen to become a teacher because it is as though it is a calling. I have always

been inspired by the way an educator is one of the most influential people in a child’s life. When

I see the lightbulb go off for a student or even one of my peers I feel a sense of accomplishment

helping them to learn something that betters their life. My fourth grade teacher is the main reason

I wanted to become a teacher as well. She made a connection with me, showing me that

education can be fun if the right person is teaching it in the right way. In high school, I found

myself tutoring any friend in need because everyone always knew that I loved and did well in

school. I have always seen assignments as an exciting task to complete next and never really was

upset with the idea of school which a lot of people do not share with me. I know that there are a

lot of politics and hardships that I will face by entering this profession, but I find teaching these

kids and molding them is more important than another job with better pay. Doing something I

love with little pay for the rest of my life will leave me more content than doing a job that pays

well but, in the end, is not my passion.

I have always seen myself as having an Existentialism philosophy for teaching. I feel that

education directly correlates with a person’s life choices because it is the only means of really

absorbing the information. With education comes growth, so by growing as a person through

experiences and knowledge is the style I hope to teach my students one day. As an educator I

will be the support these students need as they find the meaning of their lives and I will give
them the freedom of choice to express themselves. As I have learned about historical educational

events, I hope to not repeat the same mistakes that some of the people in this profession have.

Many students have been discriminated against and not given every tool and chance to be

successful. I will do everything in my power to give every single student the same opportunities

and freedoms as their peers so that all of my students have the best probability of success. When

I enter what school or schools I will to teach, I will not simply work there but work to make it

better than when I walked in its doors for future educators and students.

I will express to the student’s that in my classroom, you are free to be whoever you want

to be, and I will support them to become that. I will also implement certain classroom rules

because having a set and organized environment will show that being on one’s best behavior and

always trying one’s best will show the best results. I will offer the students my assistance and

attention will any questions or comments they need, and I hope they see me as a friend and role

model whom they trust. Every student in my class will be given the same opportunities and the

whole class will be diverse with their seating arrangements and group assessments.

I will need to continue and complete my education at CSN with my Associates degree

and then further it at UNLV with my Bachelors in Elementary Education. While taking my

courses for my bachelors or after them, I will begin my career as a teacher within the Clark

County School District. I will also continue to expand my schooling to other areas in education,

possibly in school counseling.