A Future Educator’s Philosophy Statement 1

A Future Educator’s Philosophy Statement

Vanessa Bagolor

College Of Southern Nevada

EDU 203 - 1002

Dr. Dale B. Warby

October 24, 2021

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A Future Educator’s Philosophy Statement

When I first started this course, I did not know much about physical and mental

disabilities. I only had an inkling of knowledge from the media and television. I only had an idea

of the type of teacher I wanted to be and in my previous statement in the beginning of the

semester, I tried my best to articulate what I hope my future career as a teacher will hold.

Through the lessons and content gone over in this class, I have more knowledge and more

understanding of the extensive roles of a teacher.

In my pre-philosophy paper that I wrote in the beginning of this course, I dived into my

image of the ideal teacher. A teacher that is understanding, makes lessons engaging, and creates

an enjoyable school environment for students on a daily basis. Of course, the foundation of the

image is the same, but this course’s content and field observation has widened my understanding

and how the career would realistically look like on a day-to-day basis. During my field

observation, I was able to converse with different teachers - mostly the special education

department - and get an idea of their workload, their schedules, and the different types of

resources given for the student’s vast needs. For most of my observation, I got to see my

cooperating teacher at work. I was lucky to watch and have a teacher to model after because she

was the kind of teacher I want to become. Not only was she understanding, but she was

transparent; My cooperating teacher was clear to her students about the behavior and actions she

expected from her students.

I acknowledged my lack of knowledge and understanding when it comes to special

education in my pre-philosophy paper. Obviously through this course, I was able to work on it

and dive deep into the basics of everything. I also got to observe and watch a special education

teacher in action. A special education teacher is not just adhering to the needs of special needs
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students but being able to evaluate and perceive how to adjust the content to best accommodate

yet still challenge the student. Students have their own strengths and weaknesses and because of

this, not all tools or techniques will be the solution for all students with special needs. Knowing

and calculating the best solutions for each individual is an important ability for any teacher. This

course has introduced me to the idea of Individualized Education Programs. They are the best

way to navigate the needs of each student and their individual needs. The special education

teacher does not just teach, they take account of their student’s needs, strengths, and condition.

Also teachers need to be able to anticipate any dangerous emergency situation that comes with

any student with a health disability.

While I now have a much better understanding of special education, I know this is just

the beginning to becoming a teacher who will learn to adapt to the needs of my future students. I

hope to become more educated and be able to develop the skills needed in this profession.