Post-Philosophy Statement 1

Post-Philosophy Statement

Starlee M. Hofland

CSN
Post-Philosophy Statement 2

Post-Philosophy Statement

Educational Philosophy.

At the beginning of this semester my philosophy was that it is the responsibility of all

educators to foster every student to their fullest potential. My core belief has not changed but my

knowledge in what that statement means and how to achieve it has. All students whether they are

average learners, have special needs or are gifted have something to add to the classroom and the

world. It is the job of the teacher to find what makes each student in their classroom unique and

then to use that information to plan lessons that will inspire every student in the classroom to

learn.

My official educational philosophy is that I believe that all children are special and that if

they are given an environment where their individual needs are met they will grow in all aspects

of their lives academically, but also physically, emotionally and socially. Students do not all learn

the same way or at the same rate but they do all learn. Each teacher has a unique responsibility to

identify the needs and learning styles of each student in their classrooms and then to develop the

necessary methods and strategies into their lessons so that each individual child is stimulated to

learn. I believe that I am this type of teacher. My students will learn in an environment that is

safe and where they feel valued, seen and heard.

I believe that there are some very specific steps that I must take to create this type of

environment. First, A teacher must always be learning. It is very important that teachers remain

up to date with the latest information in regard to education and the services available to their

students. A teacher must be flexible and accommodating. He/she must always be searching for

the uniqueness of the student. Second, a teacher must have an open and trusting relationship with
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the families of his/her students. Much information can be gleaned from families about the needs

and abilities of the children in the teachers care. Third, students should have the opportunity to

experience information in many ways through the use of hands-on learning, cooperative learning,

project based learning, and individual work. Fourth, teachers must differentiate work. We have to

meet students where they are so that they can experience success and growth. Fifth and finally,

teachers need to utilize all resources available to them i.e. other teachers, technology, and

specialists.

When a teacher is open to using all available tools, is skilled in the ability to properly use

many teaching strategies, and has strong classroom management his/her students will not only

achieve they will excel.

Personal Philosophy of Special Education.

The role of the special education teacher in the classroom is clear. The special education

teacher should provide support to the mainstream teacher that aids the exceptional student to be

successful in their regular classroom. My personal philosophy of special education comes from

my personal experiences of dealing with children with special needs in the classroom as well as

from the education that I am receiving. I believe that all students including those with special

needs have the ability to learn. It is the job of the teacher to learn how their students learn and

then to find ways to implement those needs into his/her lessons.

Our text begins with a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt which states: “we know that

equality of individual ability has never existed and never will, but we do insist that equality of

opportunity still must be sought.” This quote really spoke to me. In the early years of education

most students with “special needs” were treated as plagues, their families shamed and the

students were offered institutionalization or nearly no education at all. Today, we recognize the
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importance of education for all children Having exceptional students in our classrooms helps the

special needs student to learn how to function within a community and teaches the average

student how to work with all types of people.

Students with special needs should be taught in mainstream classrooms with their peers

and should be permitted to participate in all activities that their abilities will allow. It is the

responsibility of the teacher to get all available resources to their students and for the teacher to

alter their lessons according to the students in their classrooms.unique and individual needs.

I believe that a teacher needs to be sensitive to the needs of all students in his/her

classroom. When dealing with special needs children the teacher must be open to trying many

different strategies, she must be open to working with the special education teacher and work

diligently to create an environment where all children feel safe, accepted, and can learn.