RUNNING HEAD: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Philosophy Statement
Chantell Giere
Dr. Luelinda Egbert
Foundations of Education

RUNNING HEAD

Ensuring each student receives a quality education is like saving for retirement; it should
be started early on, it should be a priority, and should be considered an investment in ones
future. As we know retirement is a progressive goal, we should look upon the education of
children as a progressive cycle with the end goal being an educated and empowered generation.
Teachers hold the potential of future generations in their hands and have the power to change
lives and shape a better future for not just each individual student but for humanity as a whole.
Each teacher has a unique philosophy that contributes to the educational process, and aids in the
growth of students.
My beliefs fall into the world philosophies of existentialism and pragmatism. Individual
development, introspection, personal choice, and experience create each persons unique story
and configures how that individual will contribute to society. It is vital for students to learn about
themselves, their interests, and how to apply what they are passionate about to make experiences
out of learning and become lifelong students of the world. I identify deeply with the philosophies
of progressivism and reconstructionism because these philosophies focus on the role of the
individual and making the world a better place through societal change. Educators have the
power to create change by teaching the mistakes of the past, and promoting diversity and
understanding. The psychological orientation that speaks most to me is the humanism theory of
learning. I believe that each person has purpose and teachers have the unique ability to foster the
development of that purpose and create kinder compassionate people. Teachers should be the
facilitators of meaningful experiences and lessons, as well as help students understand and
explore their environment. It is the students responsibility to actively participate in their own
educational experience, work kindly and cooperatively with others, and to share ideas.

RUNNING HEAD

As an educator will be my priority to create a warm, inviting, exploratory environment

for my students to learn and grow in. It is my goal to help students seek self-discovery and instill
a love of learning for a lifetime to come. I will be a passionate educator and help create a
responsible and prepared generation.