Mary Wester

April 10, 2015

Philosophy of Education
Throughout my academic career, I have experienced numerous teachers and
administrators that have left an everlasting impact on my life. Whether it be my third grade gym
teacher or my fifth grade counselor, each have touched my life in ways that have shaped who I
am today. I believe the purpose of an educator is more than helping the student achieve academic
success. It is true that academics are a major reason why many emphasize the importance of
school. However, academic success should not be how a student is defined. A student is defined
by their overall person, and an educator has the responsibility to help build this young person
into an adult that will someday influence the world. A teacher is responsible for being a role
model so their students are influenced to make the right decisions in life.
In my classroom, there will be a wide diversity of children. To get a better understanding
of the many different backgrounds, I will learn about my students culture and linguistic traits. In
order to foster cross-cultural understanding in my classroom, I will use multicultural books and
material to honor the many differences that surround me. I am also aware that some students may
feel shy when participating and playing games, and to not push them as to where they feel
uncomfortable. I want to prevent any feelings of uneasiness in a place that is designed as a
second home. It is also important to understand that each child learns differently. Educators must
recognize these differences and implement lesson plans designed to reach the needs each child.
When I am a teacher I will accommodate these learning styles with visuals, auditory, and
kinesthetics. For example, I will write on the board for one part of the lesson and allow students
to work in a more hands on environment for another part.
As a future teacher, I will try to teach the whole child and not only evaluate them based
off of a test. I believe standardize testing can be an accurate way to measure a student's progress,
but far too often these test scores are defining who the child is, and that is not acceptable. By
eliminating the percentage earned out of one-hundred next to the students name, they will
gain self worth and motivation. I also believe that as an educator we are striving to shape the
child into adults, and giving them the freedom to search for their own understandings about a
topic can increase their self motive and prepare them for life outside of the classroom. John
Dewey in his belief in Progressivism is another example of what I want implemented in my
classroom. I want to be a resource that guides my students to explore real-world problems.
Instead of sitting in a desk all day, students should explore their creativity in their surrounding
environments.
It seems apparent today that our culture encourages us to concentrate on ourselves rather
than on others. My ultimate goal is to make my students aware that there is much more to this
world than what goes inside the classroom. I will encourage my students to become familiar with
current events and discuss what is going on in the world. I want my students to understand the
importance of contributing to the world, and this is often done by shifting their view to those

around them. I will often discuss the importance of character, and treating others with the respect
they deserve. Going along with maintaining a relationship with my students, I will also make
sure to establish contact with parents, other teachers, and administration. As an educator, I am
aware that there is always more to learn, and I will constantly be open to improving how I teach.
Whether it be collaborating with other teachers so that we can bounce ideas off of each other, or
learning about the latest technology, I will find ways to enhance myself as an educator.