Running Head: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Portfolio Project # 12:

Philosophy of Education

Ariana Sandoval

College of Southern Nevada

EDU 201
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I want to be a teacher to share my passion of learning, math, science, reading with

students. My belief is that with encouragement and love, every child is capable of success. I was

blessed with the most amazing educators growing up who made me feel capable of more than

what I was showing the world. I would love to be that teacher who shows students that they are

intelligent and give them the opportunity to shine.

The only thing I truly missed in my own education was a teacher who looked like me,

who and spoke like me. I feel that if I had a Latina teacher, it would have allowed me to see a

new world of possibilities for my future. I want to be an inspiration for our Latinx youth and

show them that there is a world of possibilities out there waiting for them. 33% of our Hispanic

students are coming from homes where the head of the household doesn’t even have a high

school diploma, and 31% are living in poverty. I truly believe the best way to combat this is

with more teachers who are Hispanic and are open about their experiences.

I also believe that my charismatic personality will certainly assist me in my teaching.

After years of in-class volunteering and teaching Sunday school, I have noticed that when I

speak, children listen. I would imagine that it’s my large frame, bright clothing and cartoonish

voice that keeps students engaged. But it could also be my passion for the subject matter,

regardless of the topic. I find that if you are passionate about something, that passion and

excitement is contagious.

While doing my classroom observations at Gibson Elementary, I observed how well a

classroom with clear and well-rehearsed procedures works. Every lesson, and every movement

reminded me of a ballet. The children knew where to go, and when, all based on a simple cue
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from the teacher. When I asked Mrs. Vidicic about how she managed to accomplish such a feat,

she told me she takes the first month of school to perfect their procedures using positive

reinforcement. I’ve never seen a class that flowed so well, and its amazing how much time is

saved by having these procedures in place. This will be a top priority in my classes.

My personal philosophy is based on social reconstructionism. I believe that it’s a

teachers’ duty to educate their students about the world; both the good and the bad. In order to

change the world and create a society of helpers, we need to teach our children they can make a

difference. There are so many children who have made a huge difference in our world and we

should be sure to take the time to educate our students about them. The world needs more helpers

like Malala Yousafzai, Claudette Colvin, Melati and Isavel Wijsen, Greta Thunberg and Iqbal

Masih. I believe if we taught our students about these amazing activists, we would be

contributing to a brighter future for us all.

When I was in high school, I participated in the nationwide Day Without Immigrants. We

boycotted work, school, and shopping to represent how essential immigrants were to the

American economy. Being a part of that day helped me understand how important each one of us

is. I know now what an asset a Latinx bilingual educator is to our education system. As teachers,

we have the ability to change the way the world sees immigrants. It is my goal to not only be

someone that immigrants and their descendants can look up to, but also be a positive portrayal of

what it means to be Latinx.

I am a strong believer is making learning enjoyable for students and doing whatever it

takes to keep children engaged. I have noticed that having children sit together on a carpet for

instruction, and doing activities - in small groups, or individually - is the most beneficial method
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for student learning. I also believe that project-based assessments are a great way to make

learning enjoyable, immersive and allow for teachers to assess a student’s true understanding of

the material. In my experience, memorization of facts will not result in students retaining any

knowledge of the subject matter. I also enjoy using group games as a way of assessing progress;

game show style events keep children engaged and learning, while also showing how much they

know.

There are so many qualities that a great teacher must possess. The most important, apart

from knowledge of the material, is true caring. A great teacher must make each of their students

feel loved and cared for. We cannot assume that every child we teach has a loving family to go

home to after the school day. School may be the only place that children receive any true

support. I know that, personally, I was able to thrive because of the love and genuine care of my

teachers. If I can make my students feel supported, I know I will have succeeded as an educator.

I volunteer at my local elementary 3 times a week and teach Sunday school every single

Sunday at my Catholic parish. The more time I spend with my students there, and the students at

Gibson Elementary, the more positive I am that teaching is my life’s purpose. I give my own

education everything I have so that my students have the most prepared teacher on their side. I

want nothing more than to share my passion of learning with as many children as possible.