Philosophy Statement

Running Head: Philosophy Statement Michel

Philosophy Statement

Zachary Michel

Intro to Education 5100:200:002

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Philosophy Statement Michel

Introduction

Growing up in a household where education was very important, especially when my

father worked for a public school, it was evident that my future would involve working in the

education field. My father taught for two years at Uniontown Lake before switching over to

Jackson Local Schools. At Jackson, my dad taught United States History and Senior Government

for twenty-three years before becoming an administrator. The connection he formed with

students was one that not many educators were able to form. His use of professional standards,

correct instruction, and his value for learning helped his students succeed inside and outside of

the classroom. I think the most enjoyable part of watching my dad throughout the years was how

he helped a student grow, from little knowledge and confidence in his or her abilities, and inspire

him or her to achieve things beyond what one could think. To see the smile on a student’s face

when he or she achieves greatness is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

As I head into the education field I plan to achieve the same greatness as my father. I plan

to impact students to learn at their greatest capabilities and accomplish their dreams. Along with

impacting students, I have a great system for my learning environment that promotes high levels

of learning and achievement for all students, and that advances the learning of each individual

student. I will constantly perform as an open learner taking responsibility for professional

growth, performance, and involvement as an individual and member of the learning community.

You will also have an individual who will collaborate and communicate with students, parents,

other educators, administrators and the community to support the learning of the students. I will

also incorporate varied assessments to inform instruction, evaluate, and ensure student learning.

Lastly, I plan on incorporating and using the source of technology to help improve the learning

process of all students. I have a brief philosophy statement that follows: Education is beyond one

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of the most powerful tools an individual can have; it is a tool that once one receives it, it cannot

be taken away. Using professional standards, correct instruction, valuing the purpose of learning,

and keeping aware of diversity can help any educator make sure he or she is offering the best

education to their students. This philosophy will be my focus as I begin working in my

endeavors as an educator.

Standards for Teaching

As an educator there are several standards one must follow. The state of Ohio has content

standards that not only students must follow and pass but teachers also have a set of standards

that they must follow. My job as an educator is to not only meet these standards, but to go above

and beyond and exceed these expectations.

The Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession go as follow:

First, teachers understand student learning and development and respect the diversity of the students they teach. Second, teachers know and understand the content area for which they have instructional responsibility. Third, teachers understand and use varied assessments to inform instruction, evaluate and ensure student learning. Fourth, teachers plan and deliver effective instruction that advances the learning of each individual student. Fifth, teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning and achievement for all students. Sixth, teachers collaborate and communicate with students, parents, other educators, administrators and the community to support student learning. Seventh and lastly, teachers assume responsibility for professional growth, performance and involvement as an individual and as a member of a learning community. (Ohio Department of Education, 2007)

All seven of these standards put in place are crucial to follow. Any educator who follows

these standards has the keys to building a successful learning environment where student success

and high achievement are given.

Although these standards help guide any educator, to be successful, a teacher must go

beyond just these seven standards. In terms of how a teacher should be evaluated, there are more

than just these standards that go into the job. Every teacher must put in time beyond the eight

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hours while he or she is at the school. A teacher takes several hours outside of the regular work

hours at home grading papers and creating lesson plans. This time is typically over looked by the

public eye. Teachers also put a lot of heart into what they do. Teachers are very caring

individuals who want to see their young students grow into spectacular individuals and leaders in

the world. Although the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession lay the foundation for

success, they also lack in certain areas when it comes to measuring how much a teacher cares.

In my field observations at Akro’s Middle School, I observed the teachers following

several of the standards. One example, for instance, was in Mrs. Wilson’s classroom. Mrs.

Wilson has a strong understanding of content, and it was very obvious when she explains

information to the students. Mrs. Wilson uses words like adjacent and hypotenuse. (Field

Notebook, February 17, 2015, p. 6). This follows the second standard for the teaching profession.

Ms. Wilson used several examples to connect content to relevant life experiences (Ohio

Department of Education, 2007).

When I become a teacher I find myself implementing each and every one of these

standards. I find myself, though, readily following a few standards quite more than others. First I

believe each and every teacher should follow standard seven; teachers assume responsibility for

professional growth (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). It is very important that teachers

continue to participate in the learning experience themselves. The world is constantly changing,

and teachers need to stay current, specifically with technology. I also take great pride in standard

five: teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning and achievement

for all students (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). It is very important that each student is

placed in a positive learning environment that is respectful and caring along with physically and

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emotionally safe. By creating this positive environment each student is in an environment that

will set him or her up for success.

There are a few standards that I know I will need to work on so that I am successful as a

teacher. One area that I know I will need to grow in specifically is dealt with the first standard:

teachers understand student learning and development and respect the diversity of the students

they teach (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). Growing up in a very wealthy township, it

was a community that was not very racially diverse. The racial structure of the community is

predominately white, and the average income is well above sixty thousand dollars. Coming to the

University of Akron, I have been able to open up and participate in groups and activities that are

very diverse not only ethnically and racially, but also economic backgrounds. Although I have

started to participate in diverse groups, this is one area that I need to continue to work with. Not

every student is going to be the same, and I need to be aware as a teacher that each student will

be very different in every way.

These standards will help shape who I am and help me grow as a teacher. Although

standards are great to begin with as stepping-stones, to truly make a career out of teaching you

must also bring a few extra things to the table. First you have to be disciplined. There will be

several days where you consider giving up on the students and on the job. One must remember

the true reasons they got into teaching and to look at the overall big picture. For myself, I got

into the education field to help make a difference in a young man or woman’s life: to see him or

her grow into an excellent person, and thrive in what they are passionate about. One must also be

hard working. The field of education demands a lot of hours towards planning the entire process

out. One must put all his or her efforts into the process or the student will not truly get what he or

she deserves. I think that with hard work also comes a passion. When you put everything you

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have towards the students, and truly care for what you are doing, you line yourself up to be very

successful! The three above listed skills are attributes that I thrive with.

Instructional Philosophies

One can tell a lot about a teacher by how he or she works with his or her students. Each

teacher comes to his or her classroom with a very special set of principles and ideals that will

affect their students’ performance. In education, this set of principles and ideals is an educational

philosophy. An educational philosophy is a personal statement of a teacher’s guiding ideals

about educated related issues, such as how student learning and potential are effectively

maximized (Lewis). The philosophy also has an ideal on the role of educators in the classroom,

school, community and society. A philosophy is the teacher’s purpose, values, methods that one

will use when he or she is in the classroom. It is very easy to view a teacher’s philosophy just

when one-steps inside a classroom to see how welcoming a teacher is to his or her students, how

his or her desk is arranged, or how they teach. Specifically lecture style or discussion based.

Simple things like this express the philosophy and opinions a teacher has towards education.

When I view education I believe I have a stance that is very balanced between the

teaching theories. There are five specific philosophies, which include Essentialism, Perennialism,

Progressivism, Existentialism, and Behaviorism. I consider myself an Essentialist, because there

should be an essential curriculum that guides the course. One must not stick specifically with that

curriculum guideline, but it should be used as a basis for the class and lead the learning process.

The Essentialism philosophy also involves and enforces what is being taught, and how that

information is being taught. What is being taught is very important to me. A typical class period

ranges from forty-five minutes to an hour and every minute must be used wisely.

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I also consider myself Perennialist at times. Perennialism is a view where the teacher has

knowledge. The teacher then shares that knowledge with their students. A perennialist also views

education to be more individually driven than state standard and group taught. Although state

standards are great benchmarks for student success, every student is different, and each one has a

different learning process. I think it is very important to make sure each student receives what he

or she needs in the educational process.

Another philosophy is Progressivism. A progressivist believes that students are very

active in the learning process. Students work on the present and not the past. A progresivist is

very student-centered and has hands on learning. I think it is very important to incorporate the

student in the learning process, and have them fully engaged. It is great to stand in front of the

class and give your presentation and lecture for fifty minutes, but the students also must be

incorporated. By giving the student something hands on to work with, it is incorporated into their

brain and easily remembered.

Existentialism is the next idea. An existentialist believes students are in control. Although

I do not directly believe the students should control the classroom, I do believe in the view that

students can direct the learning by asking questions. A young student’s mind should wonder on

the topic at hand. When a student is curious about what is being taught that means it is very

thought provoking, and the learning process is taking place. Existentialism also allows for the

students to find their voice. Students are able to voice their opinion and learn on their own from

their own mistakes. I firmly believe that the best learning experience comes from making a

mistake.

The last idea is behaviorism. In behaviorism, topics and agendas are broken down into

small parts and testing occurs frequently. I think as teachers, we should test our students every

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single day we have them. We may not give them a full exam or test each day, but constantly

asking our students questions to seek and find out if they understand the material which is being

taught. This follows standard three in the Ohio Standards for teaching. Assessment is key for any

teacher. Assessment can help guide and let a teacher know if he or she is getting their job done,

this allows them to know if the student has learned the material or not.

I think it is very important that the education process is very student centered and driven.

The purpose of the whole process is to make sure that each student is getting the best out of the

learning process and accomplishing his or her dreams. When interacting with parents and

colleagues it is important to keep a friendly and positive attitude at all times. Working with the

parents of a student that one teaches follows standard six in the Ohio standards for teaching. It is

very important that both are involved in the process, and the parents know exactly who is

teaching their son or daughter. They can help guide you in the process of working with their

child. Positive relationships with colleagues are not only conducive to the work place but it also

helps the students out as well.

There have been several influences on my philosophy as a teacher. Obviously one of the

most important figures in my life is my father. Seeing how he connects with students and is very

student centered has influenced me to make sure I am putting the student objectives first before

my own. Going into the teaching profession it is not about taking care of yourself, but taking

care of others, specifically the students that one teaches. Another figure that helped me grow as a

teacher was from the book Educating Esmé (Codel, 2009). Seeing Esmé’s creativity and ideas to

incorporate more than just standards into the learning process was masterful. One of my favorite

ideas was the bookshelf she created. At the beginning of the year Esmé created a bookshelf full

of adult literature. The books were full of challenging words that her elementary students would

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not understand. Allowing her students to actively read (and read such big books) allowed for

them to expand their horizons and get out of their comfort zone (Codell, 2009). I think one of the

major goals a teacher should always try to accomplish is to get students out of their comfort

zone. By pushing students to do this, they grow as a person and as a learner. The more diverse an

individual is the more success one can have.

Another theorist or person that influenced my philosophy was Paulo Freire and his

chapter “The Banking Concept of Education”. Paulo Freire did not believe in the banking

concept. The banking concept is, “the capability of banking education to minimize or annul the

student’s creative power and to stimulate their credulity serves the interests of the oppressors,

who care neither to have the world revealed nor to see it transformed” (Freire, p. 107). The

banking system to me is like this: we as teachers have a handful of knowledge we deposit into

the minds of our students. The knowledge we given our students is like putting money into the

bank. The student collects and saves all this knowledge for our assessments, but the in the larger

picture the knowledge that we give our students is to be used later in college and in life. The use

on assessments and later in life is like taking money out of the bank and spending it; using the

knowledge we give them and using it to their advantage.

I struggled with understanding the true philosophy of the teachers at Akro’s Middle

School during my observations. The teachers are truly there to help educate the young students

mind in their particular topic or subject. Quite often I would hear a teacher complain about the

students behavior or how unmotivated the students were. This was very discouraging. I never

questioned these teachers’ philosophies, but if I could I would make the suggestion that each one

of these teachers rework their own personal teaching philosophies. In one of the first days of

class for intro to education we had to come up with a list of rules or guidelines for being a

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successful teacher. One that was shared with me by Jim Tressel, former National Championship

wining football coach at Ohio State, was, “students do not care how much you know, until they

know how much you care.” (Personal Communication, May 2014). That quote has stuck with me

since the first day I met him during my freshman orientation. The whole philosophy and point of

the educational process is truly about how much you care for each and every one of the students

you have the privilege of teaching in your own personal classroom.

Diversities of Learners

No one was created alike in this world; the planet that we live on is very unique and

diverse. Diversity is the state of having people who are different races or who have different

cultures in a group or organization. Diversity in a school setting may include, but are not limited

to: gender, race, ethnicity, learning style, and economic background. Educators must be aware of

the unique diversities each student has. If one is aware that each student is different and works

with each student independently, then he or she is setting himself or herself up for success. By

creating an environment that works with each student you have created a setting that is equal and

that works for each and every one of the students in your classroom.

In today’s society stereotypes specifically dealing with racism and discrimination are on

the front page of news headlines everyday. In Sonia Nieto’s chapter in Educational Foundations,

Racism, Discrimination, and Expectations of Students’ Achievement, she talks about the different

problems one may face dealing with racism and discrimination in students. Sonia Nieto thinks

beyond the typical definition of discriminating race and even considers traits like height can be

discriminated against (Nieto, 43). Sonia Nieto states, “Our society, among many others,

categorizes people according to both visible and invisible traits, uses such classifications to

deduce fixed behavioral and mental traits . . . to benefit others” (Nieto, 42). When we as

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educators end discrimination and create an equal classroom each student is given a positive

learning environment that sets he or she up for success. While I observed Mrs. Wilson’s class on

three different occasions, she was successful at creating a classroom that was equal in learning

opportunities. Mrs. Wilson did a phenomenal job at making sure each student participated within

the lesson (Field Notebook, April 14, 2015, p. 33). She provided opportunities that worked for a

visual learner as well as auditory learner. Mrs. Wilson and the Akro’s middle school failed

though when making sure each student was treated fairly. When the students got to vote for the

dance’s homecoming king and queen the competition turned into a popularity contest (Field

Notebook, April, 14, 2015, p. 29). Popularity in middle school is always about who has the

money, and who is the athletic one. Akro’s should have created a different system in place for

voting for the queen and king of the dance. Due to the popularity contest voting style, one young

man was upset and discouraged when he saw a group of girls not vote for him (Field Notebook,

April 14, 2015, p. 29). When we as educators work with our students we want the students to

strive for greatness and be happy, not upset and discouraged.

Coming to college I came from a township where everyone was very similar. The

population was predominately white and the average income was sixty thousand dollars or more

(City Data, 2009). I had never experienced what it was like to see a community that was in

poverty or be a part of a group that was very diverse. Over the 2015 spring break the University

of Akron provided me with a tremendous opportunity. I was able to travel down to Marion,

South Carolina as part of the serveAkron Alternative Spring Break. In Marion I was able to

participate with eighteen other students and work with Habitat for Humanity and build a home

for a family that was in need. Marion, South Carolina is a town that has an unemployment rate of

twenty-two percent and the average income is roughly twenty four thousand dollars (City Data,

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2012). This experience opened up my eyes and made myself aware of the different situations that

exist in our society. I instantly became thankful for he opportunities that are present for me and

especially thankful for the background and area I grew up in.

Diversity plays a huge role in my job as a teacher. Every student that is in my class will

be very unique and different. I will have students of all different races and cultures. I must be

aware that different cultures have different customs and values and be aware of them to be on the

same level as the student. If I have an action that one particular culture is not fawned of that

could upset one of my students. I will also have very tall students and very short students. I must

be aware of this when I am making the seating chart. It would be a huge mistake if I sat the

shortest student directly behind the tallest student. That would not be fair to the student who

might not be able to see the board.

Diversity is something everyone encounters every day. Diversity is something that makes

the United States so great; it is a melting pot of people from all over the world. When a teacher

can take a group of diverse students and create a classroom where everyone is equal, but separate

in their identity he or she is going to be very successful as an educator. I believe that everyday is

one is able to follow the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated, you will have a

group of students in your classroom that is very happy.

The Purpose of Schooling in a Diverse, Democratic Society

The United States is a republic that represents each and every individual voice within the

states. The republics job is to make sure each and every individuals needs are taken care. One of

the essential needs that is given to us is the public education system. The United States education

system is one of the greatest in the world. In the United States, we as a society receive a free

public education between the grades of Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Not many countries

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offer an education quite like this. Although we offer such a large population a free education,

nowhere in our republics constitution does it state it is the government’s job to provide public

schooling.

Our public education system’s main objective should be to prepare the students to take on

the “real world” and succeed in all their endeavors. Public educators have an objective to follow.

The standards that are put in place for educators to follow help students reach the next goal in

life whether that be higher education or begin working in the work force. Education is a tool that

cannot be taken away once received; knowledge is power. When the public education system

helps each of their students reach their goals and have each student prepared for the next step in

life, then the public education system and the republic has successfully accomplished all its

goals.

Our role as teachers is to follow the goal of preparing our students to learn about the

content we are teaching but also to prepare them for life. We as educators establish some of the

core values each individual has to be successful in the work force such as hardworking,

discipline, and self-motivated. While observing at Akro’s middle school in Mrs. Wilson’s

classroom, it was obvious that as a teacher she understood that these principles help students

succeed in class now, but will help later in life as well. In front of Mrs. Wilson’s classroom she

has the 7 habits to be successful. They go as follow; be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put

first things first, think win-win, seek first to understood then to be understood, synergize, sharpen

the saw (Field Notebook, April 7, 2015, p. 23). It is evident that Mrs. Wilson cares about the

future of her students and the current state they are in. These seven habits are something I will be

taking with me and expanding on inside my classroom.

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When looking at the education system as a democracy there is an order of command that

each individual must follow. Every figure in the education system has an impact on the student.

The teacher has the most impact on the students. The teacher and students interact every single

day throughout the academic year. Although the teacher is very important so is the board of

education. The school board makes executive decisions on the school. The board has the final

say on where the tax paying dollars are being sent. It is the boards overall job to make sure the

correct administration and teachers are in place for each students success. Another important

figure in the education system is the state representatives and governor. The state elected

official’s have a say on the academic standards that are put in place that each student must pass.

The United States is one of the greatest countries in the world due to its free public

education system. The public education system in the United States thrives in helping students

accomplish their dreams. Along with that, the primary goal of the public education system is to

help each student reach the next step in his or her life whether that is higher education or the

work force and be fully prepared for that stage.

Conclusion

As an educator I want students to view school as a safe place where their imaginations

can flourish and their natural curiosity is met with engaging instruction. Everyone thrives to

accomplish great feats in life. When looking at society everyone holds standards that each

individual needs to win at the highest level and hold great positions. When looking at history can

you name the past few golden globe winners or the last few Heisman trophy winners? Maybe

not, but I am sure you can name some of the recent teachers you had, or a teacher you had when

you were just a little kid. The impact that educators have is one that lasts a lifetime. With the use

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of professional standards, instructional philosophies, diversities of students and incorporating

democratic schooling principles any educator will be successful in and out of the classroom.

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References

City Data. (2009) Jackson Township, Stark County, (Oh) (Data File). Retrieved from

http://www.city-data.com/township/Jackson-Stark-OH.html.

City Data. (2012). Marion, SC (Data File). Retrieved from

http://www.city-data.com/city/Marion-South-Carolina.html.

Codell, E.R. (2009). Educating Esmé: Diary of a teacher’s first year. Chapel Hill, NC:

Algonquin Books.

Freire, Paulo (1973). The Banking Concept of Education. Canestrari & B.A. Marlowe (Eds.),

Educational Foundations: An Anthology of Critical Readings. (p. 103 – 115). Thousand

Oaks, Cal: SAGE Publications.

Lewis, Beth. (n.d.) . Educational Philosophy. Retrieved from

http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/gedphilosophy.htm.

Nieto, Sonia. (2004) Racism, Discrimination, and Expectations of Students’ Achievement. In

Canestrari, Alan Editor & Marlowe, Bruce. Editor (Eds.), Educational Foundations An

Anthology of Critical Readings (41-60). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.

Ohio Department of Education. (2007). Standards for Ohio Educators. Retrieved from

http://ode.state.oh.us.

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