My Educational Philosophy

A child is like a flower. There are many different types of flowers, each one having
specific needs. Some can be placed in direct sunlight; some can thrive in shade only; while
others need partial sunlight. While there are certain needs that are specific to the type of flower,
they also have things in common. They all need good soil, water, and, most importantly,
nurturing.
I believe that the purpose of education is far greater than just helping students achieve the
standard competencies that are needed in order for them to pass a standardized test. I believe
that students need to be challenged in a greater way than just having them regurgitate
information back to their teacher. As a future teacher, I will make sure that the education I am
offering my students is such that instructs and challenges each individual to strive for greatness,
not mediocrity. When students leave my classroom, I want them to feel as if they are then one
step closer to their future destiny. I believe this is what a proper education should be. It should
prepare students for their future roles in society, resulting in a better world. This is the time
when the teacher (gardener) is planting the seed and nurturing it to grow into a beautiful flower.
My role as an educator is, first and foremost, to be an effective teacher to a diverse
population of students. Referring back to my analogy, each student (flower) will have specific
needs based on the type of student and learner he or she is. I, as the gardener of my classroom,
have to be sensitive to these needs and give the proper nurturing that is needed in order for each
individual to grow to full potential. For me, this embodies being sensitive to students with
special needs, understanding each students unique background and culture, and being
conscientious and responsive to the different learning styles represented in my classroom.

Because I know there are so many styles of learning, I will always make sure that I differentiate
my instruction. I personally love to sing and perform; I will use these things in the classroom to
teach some concepts through song and movement. My role is also to be a guide rather than a
dictator. A gardener doesnt force a flower to grow; rather, the gardener tends to and nurtures the
plant, giving it what it needs so that it can grow on its own. I will use this method when
teaching. I will be a guide to my students, presenting them with the proper materials and
information, while allowing them to gain their own knowledge through my guidance.
I believe the students role in the classroom is mainly to take responsibility for their
learning. I want to make sure that I create an environment for my students in which they will
easily feel motivated to reach their learning goals. I will create an environment in which they are
able to be active participants in their learning. I realize that, at times, students struggle with
doing this. Returning again to my analogy, along with nurturing the flower the gardener must rid
his/her garden of any weeds that could possibly keep the plant from growing. In my classroom
this would come in the form of discipline and structure. I dont believe that children need
someone to yell at them or bark orders at them. I believe that they need to be respected, and they
need to know that I, as their teacher, have their best interests at heart. I believe that as long as I
am clear and structured about what I expect from my students, my classroom will run quite
smoothly.
I believe this philosophy of child as flower and myself being the gardener who cares for
the plant, will work greatly for me; although, I do realize that no one philosophy is perfect. I feel
that some teachers may only focus on just spitting out the information, while not really caring
for the childs learning. I will be a teacher who nurtures and guides her students, while providing
appropriate structure and discipline. Lets nurture our children to meet their full potential!