Blair Oakley Wood

Educational Philosophy Statement

The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves
throughout their lives.
-Robert Maynard Hutchins (Dean of Yale Law School (1927-1929), President (1929-1945) and
chancellor (1945-1951) of the University of Chicago

I strongly believe the purpose of education is not merely to teach subject content,
but rather it is to teach individuals how to think. A mediocre teacher teaches subject
content, but a great teacher instills within his or her students the desire and ability
to learn more. Our job as educators is to light that critical spark which ignites an
intrinsically-motivated, endless quest for understanding.
Educators are responsible for creating and maintaining a nurturing environment in
which all students thrive. In order to create a classroom culture conducive to
intellectual, social, and emotional growth, teachers must serve as positive role
models. I strive on a daily basis to demonstrate my love of learning, respect for
students, colleagues, and the school family.
Central to my philosophy is my belief in individualization. It is critical that an
educator meets each childs individual needs. In order to accomplish this objective,
each student must not only be appropriately challenged, but also be given a tailored
set of tools in order to exceed his/her expectations. As a culturally sensitive
educator, I am mindful of diversity in my classroom as it presents itself ethnically,
experientially, and in terms of unique learning styles.
Equally informing my philosophy of education is the work of constructivist theorists
like Malaguzzi and Piaget as well as my personal experience of a classical
education. I appreciate the degree to which constructivism encourages student
creativity and active engagement with ones environment, peers, and educators. I
also appreciate the benefits of a carefully calibrated curriculum and a syllabus filled
with challenging texts and materials often associated with a traditional educational
model.
I incorporate my balanced, inquiry-based approach to teaching into my daily
interactions with my current and future students, striving to light the critical spark
which prepares students for a lifetime of learning.