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Andrew Chambers
Philosophy of Education
I will be the third generation of teachers in my family. Both my mother
and grandfather influenced my career choice. I originally had no intention of
teaching, but after my experience of student teaching I fell in love with the
profession. There are two main reasons I want to teach. The first reason is
nothing makes me happier than igniting the fire in the youth, watching their
eyes light up, and observing their purpose and curiosity develop. The most
important reason I want to teach is to make a difference. I feel there is a
major flaw with todays society. According to PISA (Program for International
Student Assessment), out of the 65 nations tested the United States ranks
23rd in science and 32nd in math. There is something wrong with our
education system. This is why I am attaining an Integrated Science
Elementary Education degree from Grand Valley State University.
Education serves many purposes. To fully understand the purpose of
American education one must first understand its history. Thomas Jefferson,
Noah Webster, and Horace Mann were just a few founders of education in
America. They felt that public education is necessary in a democracy.
Because the people decide and vote on policies education is crucial in order
for them to make educated decisions. Founders also felt that public
education was a way to ensure equality for the American people. Another
purpose of education is to prepare students for the future. Many people
mistake training for education. The goal of training is to prepare someone for

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a job or goal. Education serves a much wider resolve. Refining academic and
personal potential, improving analytical and deep thinking, and enhancing
tools and skills used in important decision making and everyday life are the
aims of education. Put simply, a teachers role is not simply to prepare
students to be successful, but to help students become the best person they
can possibly be. The purpose of school is to help students understand
themselves, appreciate their distinctive talents and insights, and find their
own unique place in the world. This is not only an education statement; it is
everyones purpose in society.
Teachers are the backbone of the education system. A good teacher
must be able to teach a diverse community of learners of any religion,
ethnicity, and all different backgrounds. A teacher has a role not only in the
classroom, but also in the community. A teacher serves as a role model and a
mentor for students. Along with teaching curriculum, educators must teach
students morals and values such as honesty, sharing, caring for others, and
respect. The gap between the real world and schools should be bridge
through field trips, internships, and adult mentors. The goal of school is to
prepare students to enter the real world. One of the most difficult tasks for
young children is taking initiative to talk to adults in their community. As
educators we need to prepare our students to enter the adult world and be
successful.

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Students learn in several ways. In order to best fit the needs of my

students, I will use a variety of teaching methods and strategies in my
classroom. Some of these include dramatic activities, contextual learning,
hands on activities, and group discussions. My class will also use music and
art to improve learning. I believe students should never be bored in class, if
students are uninterested in what I am teaching, I am not teaching properly.
This will ensure that these young scholars receive the best education
possible.
There are many philosophies of education. The two that will be
reflected most in my classroom are perennialism and progressivism. Both of
these views have contradictory focuses. Overall I believe an amalgamation of
the two will produce the best results with my teaching style. Focusing on
conceptual ideas, emphasizing humanities and the great works, and
stressing development of reason and morality are the main perspectives of
perennialism I will apply to my curriculum. Progressivism will influence my
class by basing lessons on needs and interests of students, contextual
activities, along with games and field trips.
My goal is to have an extremely comfortable classroom, where
students are able to be individuals. As a class we will form a community by
setting up our own rules and regulations that every student will agree to in
order to properly function as a class. I will assess students based on
classroom discussion and performance in activities. I am prepared to teach

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all children of all backgrounds at any grade level, kindergarten through

eighth grade.
Teaching is one of the most honorable professions. All teachers have
different views, opinions, and teaching styles in their classroom. Overall, I
feel my personal philosophies and beliefs in education will create the best
learning environment for my students.

Works Cited
Kaestle, Carl F. School, The story of American Public Education: The
common School Beacon Press

Boston, 2001. Print.

Changing lifes. National Math and Science Initiative 2010

<http://nationalmathandscience.org/sites/default/files/Annual
%20Report%202010%20low_res.pdf> Web. 4 October 2011.

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