Joe Hursts Philosophy of Education

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement for the

chance to work the amazing youth I have frequently encountered here in the state of Arizona. My

goal for every young man and woman I teach is for them to not only to excel academically, but to

also, gain a sense of community and develop a passion for world around them.

I have lived in Arizona for 13 years. I have worked in construction, banking, education,

property management, and law enforcement. After having started my family, I realized it was

time to do what I had wanted to do professionally since I was a teenager, teach. I am in my third

year of Mary Lou Fultons education program since making that choice. I have carried a 4.0 GPA

since that time and will graduate next fall with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education: Earth

and space science degree.

I plan to continue my education by pursuing a graduate degree after while teaching. I

have many passions, but continuing to learn is foremost among them. I am driven to not only

know, but understand, how the universe works. I also particularly enjoy the outdoors, playing

sports, spending time with my daughter, and using excel spreadsheets of all things.

My beliefs on student motivation and discipline correspond to current research. It has

been demonstrated that when students make gains upon their existing qualifications, their

motivation and self-efficacy in doing future school work increased significantly (Bailey 1999,

pg. 343). Motivation is decidedly an additive property of a person and can be influenced by

promoting self-efficacy skills. Using discipline, structure, and clarity, within the framework of

Fred Jones positive classroom discipline theory, will help students achieve a higher level of self-

efficacy than they would otherwise. I know that together, my students and I, will be able to

develop positive classroom discipline and obtain higher levels of motivation as a result.
 I am a firm believer that understanding precedes success, and I will hold my students to

high expectations. Therefore, I intend to make my class challenging academically, while

exploring the development my students creative skills and personal interests. My students and I

will work together to achieve levels of understanding we could not have obtained without each

other. I cannot wait to get to know my students and for them to help make me a more effective

mentor. Together we will reach new levels of motivation and success through a systematic and

disciplined approach to education.