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Teaching Philosophy
Learn: (v.) to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience; to gain
by experience, exposure to example. If you were to look up the definition of the word learn,
you would find something along those lines. In the cohort we talk a lot about different methods
of teaching, how to differentiate instruction in order for the students to learn further, how to set
up a wholesome learning environment, etc. In the special education field, you will find that when
discussing the differences of learning, there are equal sided disagreements over whether or not
inclusion is the best learning environment. In our pre-education classes, we were bombard by
different theorists who all had a similar yet different concept about learning. With all the
dialogues about various forms of teaching styles that all claim the same truths, the right choice
can easily get confusing. What does learning mean? Are students empty vessels waiting for us to
pour out knowledge? Or is learning a fluid concept, changing between children reliant on upon
each individuals needs?
From the nominal amount of time that I have spent within the College of Education
program, I have established my own definition of learning. To me, learning does not always
mean being in a traditional setting taking notes from a teacher who stands at the front of a
classroom lecturing. I believe this is the lowest form of learning. Learning is doing. It is finding
your passion and pursuing what you love through expression of self. Within that path of
discovery, it is also important to learn basic academic concepts such as writing, as well as
fundamental math concepts like multiplying fractions, or even being able to explain the
difference between a liquid, a solid and a gas. In order to understand these concepts, it is
important that the student use their head, their hands, and their heart. What does this mean? If I
read or listen to a lecture regarding proper sentence structure, I would have an intellectual

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understanding. But if I study and practice proper sentence structure, I gain practical knowledge
and the ability to apply what I know. Further, if I practice the use of proper sentence structure by
expressing something personal, I will become more cognizant about the use of proper sentence
structure and will be more eager to learn. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, my inspiration and the
Founder of Modern Education, taught that children need to learn objectivity. They need to be
able to observe the world around them and focus on their natural ability to make informed
judgments. This is accomplished by experiences, guided by the teacher, me, while providing an
emotionally safe environment. This is my goal as I continue my journey toward becoming
teacher.
Understandably, this concept may sound all fine and dandy, but it is not always realistic.
After all, I may be in an inclusion setting with teacher whose philosophy is entirely different, or I
simply may not have the resources to be able to teach through experience as I wish. Despite these
challenges, there is always room for compromise between myself and the other teacher. At all
times keep in mind, that two heads are better than one in the creative field.