Philosophy Of Education

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Philosophy of Education
Abby Evans


What makes a teacher a good educator and an even better leader? Ones beliefs towards this question could be completely different from that of another person. Each person has their own ideas and understandings on what they believe are the right ways to educate and guide a group of children. I believe that education is not only teaching the task at hand but teaching students morals, life lessons, and information that is intriguing and important to ones future.  I am personally guided not only by my educators but my peers and other leaders. I believe that respect, support, and a purpose are important to everyone. A teacher can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life.

            So what is a teacher suppose to do make sure that each student learns everything they need to get through life? Although, every person is different and every idea sparks a different interest the basic understandings of what makes a good teacher is the same. A good teacher should be responsible, creative, and personal, in control, encouraging, dependable, and trusting. I believe that a teacher who possesses these attributes potentially has the ability to be one of the most memorable people in a child’s life. Education is the backbone to everyone’s future; without it one can miss out on the good things in life. I believe that a teacher holds the most control in making sure that every student does what he/she can do to succeed. If the teacher shows that they care, that they want to help I believe that leads to a positive step in right direction. We need educators who are willing and who want to be a positive influence to a student. If we do not have teachers who care about our students how will anyone make it?

            So where should one begin this journey? What should one teach? How should one carry out this method? A teacher has the power to make a student something amazing and successful. He/she who believes one of the most important things in their lives is seeing a child succeed and love what they do is the best quality one can portray.  Teachers who are encouraging, interactive, and caring seem to have a great affect on students. When a teacher steps in front of the class they need to gain the respect and the attention of their classroom and those who fill it up. So a teacher needs to be engaging and creative in their lesson plans and teaching methods. Although, every teacher does not teach all of the same subjects, each teacher can teach the same qualities on how to be a better person. If every teacher preaches about respect and manners it is eventually going to leave a mark somewhere in a child’s life. Good teachers have to be willing to put everything they have on the line to see the greatest outcomes. They need to believe in all their students and teach at a level that everyone can be content and learn at. If they are not able to keep the attention of students how can one plan on managing and succeeding in an entire classroom for a whole year.

            What are important topics and manners that need to be discussed and taught to students? Politics, religion, history, and art should be some of the top subjects every student should learn about in school. We need to cover the basics of these topics to make sure that our kids and their kids understand why and how things are done. Teachers need to help students understand that their own beliefs are just as important as anyone else. We need to teach students how to express themselves in a way that shows people who they are and what they are about. If we do not allow a student to be themselves how will anyone know what their true capabilities are. Even though we want the students to express themselves, good teachers also need to be able to show who they are and what kind of beliefs and ideas they have.

            A relationship between a teacher and student is not just a one way street; both individuals have to be willing and capable of helping the other one. At the beginning of the year students and teachers need to set up goals and be thinking about what they want to achieve by the end of the year. They also need a list of strategies on how to help each other reach their goals. These goals though do not have to be in the norm of things they can be creative and challenging goals that will force the students to work for their goals and make us teachers help see them reach this goal. We have to learn to work with our students and not be against them. If we do not push them to succeed, failure could become a habit and seem okay to a student. In essence although the ultimate goal is to see students leave your class with a sense of purpose, understanding, and appreciation for themselves, the class, and the lives ahead of them.