Running head: MY EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY 1

My Educational Philosophy

Elizabeth L. Chesson

Texas A&M University Commerce

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My Educational Philosophy

I grew up poor. It was never something I was hyper-aware of until I started to go to

school. The kids in my class were also poor, they were not the issue, the issue began when I was

given the opportunity to compare myself to other children from other schools. My high school, a

low budget, often described as dangerous, and frankly, a homely looking building housed less

than 100 poor children every day between the early hours of the morning and late afternoon.

There were problems with violence as well as students cutting class when they were given the

slightest opportunity. There were indeed plenty of negative things that could be said about

Fannindel, but the teachers who dedicated their time there made going to high school the most

life-changing experience that I could have ever hoped for. Every teacher that I had at Fannindel

showed strong compassion for me and the other students there. They provided a safe home that

many of the students did not have the privilege of having at their houses. For me, I received

motivation and encouragement that I could not get at any other place. I decided that I wanted to

become just like my heroes. I would daydream about what it could be like to be an impactful part

of a child's life and educate them on topics that would open minds to new and brighter ideas. My

small, poor school and the teachers that worked there will forever hold a special place in my

heart. My educational philosophy lies in being a role model for my students and staying

grounded in my principals to create a successful learning environment.

Teaching is becoming a hard job to fill. The constant changing of up and coming

generations could be a reason why many people do not feel up to the challenge of educating.

Despite the changing world, the need for education will always remain and perhaps even
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strengthen in the years to come. The importance to teach relies on preparing learners for new

challenges that they will face in their lives. As an educator, it becomes one's job to help create a

society that runs smoothly filled with educated people. By taking the time to properly educate a

student for any topic, a teacher can actively do their part to create a better future, not just for that

student but for the world as a whole. Also, there are tireless rewards in store for receiving an

education. A bright mind creates a bright future.

As a future educator, my principles are grounded in active learning. I will be sure to help

my students stay comfortable and happy as well as receive the privilege of education. I plan to

encourage cooperation from every student, and keep an open mind to students that may be at a

disadvantage in their learning abilities or financial abilities. It will never be my intention, even if

accidental, to make a student not feel good enough in and out of my classroom. I will remember

that I was once in the seat of the student, and never hold an attitude that tells my pupils that I am

better than them in any way.

In order for a student to truly learn something, they not only understand the material

being taught, but they should be able to apply the material outside the classroom. Education

should start conversations, open minds, and help a student make advancements in their personal

lives. I believe that for a student to truly learn something means that it will not be forgotten, it

becomes part of them. The beauty of an education is the life changing qualities that it holds.

In my classroom, I will utilize several strategies that hold true to my principles. I want to

encourage active listening and learning as well as enforce good behavior in an appropriate way

that does not communicate in an unsafe environment. In my perfect career, I want to be able to

impact students' lives by being a listening ear for worried and stressed out children. I want to be

the hero to my students that my teachers were to me. I wish to be a role model and reminder that
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an education can take a person anywhere, even if they feel like they have nothing at all. By

staying true to my educational philosophy, I hope to become a successful teacher.