My Philosophy of Education
“Knowledge is like a garden. If not cultivated it cannot grow.”—African Proverb
The field of teaching is one of undoubted complexity, which has questioned the nature of students, knowledge and education since the beginning of time. Due to the dynamic and controversial quality of this area, it is necessary for a teacher to develop his or her own philosophy of education, whether it be modeled after one of the educations leading philosophical views, or be an amalgamation of many views. It is through a philosophy of education that teachers are able to ensure that students are learning to their maximum potential. Education is not meant to merely be a group of classes where facts are learned, used on a test, and then forgotten. Education is rather meant to be a place to develop tools and understandings that will foster learning throughout the rest of life, both in and out of the classroom. Thus, it is of utmost importance that teachers take direction in their instruction, guiding students, and challenging them to become the best that they can be.
I believe the children are our future... I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between each other, as this is foundational in creating a harmonious society. I believe that through Christian education, a generation of young people committed to Jesus Christ can be raised, and made knowledgeable in the whole council of God. I believe that through the framework of a Christian worldview, students can be shown the value of all that God has created. I will teach students that each subject being taught has a place within God’s magnificent framework, so they learn early on the interconnectedness between their faith and everyday life.
Teach them well and let them lead the way... Every classroom presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in learning styles. My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life. I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society. I believe that it is important as Christians that we are able to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit to everyone that we come in contact with, so that they may notice the difference in us. I will teach my students to demonstrate these values in their everyday life.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside... My classroom will be a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can blossom and grow. I will allow children to become responsible members of our classroom community by using strategies such as class meetings, positive discipline, and democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am giving them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love themselves. I believe that when positive self-image is evident students are able to better shine for Christ, showing God’s love to others.
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be... Teaching is a lifelong learning process, learning about new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learning from the children. Children have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, I will never forget how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the children. Just as Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” I think this is a very important reminder of just how much we can learn from children. I believe in being a co-learner along side my students, recognizing that I too still have so much to learn.
Connection between home and school… I believe that Christian education begins at home. God has given parents the responsibility to raise their children in the ways of Lord. The role of the school is therefore to aid and assist in what is already being taught at home. The school is in a sense an extension of the home, which therefore means that it is critical that a partnership be developed between home and school. I will pass on Godly values and Biblical principles in addition to offering students a challenging academic program. I will communicate what I am doing with parents regularly through class newsletters, phone calls home, and a classroom website to maintain respect of authority with parents.
Role as a teacher… I believe that it is my duty to work with the students that are trusted in my care, and that I am to view my vocation as a teacher as a ministry to the Lord. I will seek to instill Biblical truth, and model this truth through my own life, serving as an example for my students. In every situation I will look for opportunities to show the love, mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father, to my students. Ultimately I aim to honour the Lord God through my teaching, and to instill such desire in my students as they learn as well.
The field of teaching is one of undoubted complexity, which has questioned the nature of students, knowledge and education since the beginning of time. Due to the dynamic and controversial quality of this area, it is necessary for a teacher to develop his or her own philosophy of education, whether it be modeled after one of the educations leading philosophical views, or be an amalgamation of many views. It is through a philosophy of education that teachers are able to ensure that students are learning to their maximum potential. Education is not meant to merely be a group of classes where facts are learned, used on a test, and then forgotten. Education is rather meant to be a place to develop tools and understandings that will foster learning throughout the rest of life, both in and out of the classroom. Thus, it is of utmost importance that teachers take direction in their instruction, guiding students, and challenging them to become the best that they can be.
I believe the children are our future... I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between each other, as this is foundational in creating a harmonious society. I believe that through Christian education, a generation of young people committed to Jesus Christ can be raised, and made knowledgeable in the whole council of God. I believe that through the framework of a Christian worldview, students can be shown the value of all that God has created. I will teach students that each subject being taught has a place within God’s magnificent framework, so they learn early on the interconnectedness between their faith and everyday life.
Teach them well and let them lead the way... Every classroom presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in learning styles. My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life. I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society. I believe that it is important as Christians that we are able to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit to everyone that we come in contact with, so that they may notice the difference in us. I will teach my students to demonstrate these values in their everyday life.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside... My classroom will be a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can blossom and grow. I will allow children to become responsible members of our classroom community by using strategies such as class meetings, positive discipline, and democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am giving them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love themselves. I believe that when positive self-image is evident students are able to better shine for Christ, showing God’s love to others.
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be... Teaching is a lifelong learning process, learning about new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learning from the children. Children have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, I will never forget how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the children. Just as Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” I think this is a very important reminder of just how much we can learn from children. I believe in being a co-learner along side my students, recognizing that I too still have so much to learn.
Connection between home and school… I believe that Christian education begins at home. God has given parents the responsibility to raise their children in the ways of Lord. The role of the school is therefore to aid and assist in what is already being taught at home. The school is in a sense an extension of the home, which therefore means that it is critical that a partnership be developed between home and school. I will pass on Godly values and Biblical principles in addition to offering students a challenging academic program. I will communicate what I am doing with parents regularly through class newsletters, phone calls home, and a classroom website to maintain respect of authority with parents.
Role as a teacher… I believe that it is my duty to work with the students that are trusted in my care, and that I am to view my vocation as a teacher as a ministry to the Lord. I will seek to instill Biblical truth, and model this truth through my own life, serving as an example for my students. In every situation I will look for opportunities to show the love, mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father, to my students. Ultimately I aim to honour the Lord God through my teaching, and to instill such desire in my students as they learn as well.