Philosophy of Education

Joel Wilson
8505 E. San Bernardo Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(540)550-1941
joel.wilson.1@asu.edu
My name is Joel Wilson. I am a senior at Arizona State University. I am currently
working toward my Bachelors in History with a Secondary Education certificate. My
educational background at Arizona State University has prepared me to be able to classify and
evaluate scholarly sources within the historical studies program. My interest is not only in
studying history and philosophy, but also in teaching those subjects.
The memorable experiences of attending lectures given by other passionate historians
further supported my plans of becoming a teacher. The memories of the most dedicated and
committed teachers from my life have inspired me to want to educate as well. It is my purpose
to inspire my students to continue learning and exploring new thoughts and ideas. Teaching not
only can allow me to discuss important dates and figures with students, but can open up the
whole world. Another reason for my teaching is my interest in travel. Teaching abroad would be
not only an exciting prospect for me personally, but would enable me to reach students who
otherwise may not have access to secondary education.
It is this interest in reaching out to diverse cultures that really motivates my interest in not
only teaching in the United States, but all over the world. By experiencing new ideas and
traditions, I can truly appreciate and explore the historical concepts and ideas that I have studied.
By teaching abroad, it would not only broaden my perception of the world, but the students could
also have an invaluable experience by learning from a foreigner. If I do not travel to a foreign
country, there can be a great exchange of ideas much closer to home. There are so many diverse
experiences and traditions even here in Arizona, that my interest to stay here and teach in
Arizona cannot be overlooked.
I believe that a clear structure and guideline for instruction must be demonstrated at the
beginning of the school year. If the students know what to expect from my teaching on a day to
day basis then they will be better prepared the moment that they enter my classroom. That is not
to say that there will be no room for change throughout the school year. If the students can enter
an orderly room, where they have assigned seats so that they do not have added distractions then
they can focus more clearly on the content being discussed within the lecture.
The students will not simply read primary sources and hear my lecture. They will
incorporate technology into their lessons. Technology including videos and hands-on experience
with primary sources and artifacts can add to the overall experience had by the students. By
allowing for more time to discuss in class and be able to exchange different ideas about the
history of our cultures, the students will be able to better understand the community and world
around them.