PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
PHILISOPHY OF EDUCATION
CARLY A. LEONARD
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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
I want to be a teacher for two main reasons. First, I see a need for compassion and
understanding for others beliefs and opinions. Second, I hope to inspire my students to achieve a
college education after they graduate from high school. As a Political Science major, I will be
teaching government class to seniors. The purpose of government, and why it is a graduation
requirement is to teach those students going out in to the world about our government, and laws.
Not only what they are, but why. What it means to be a responsible citizen in this country and
how they can effect change. My personal belief is that everyone should feel comfortable in their
own opinions, and respect the different opinions of their peers. I will instill this philosophy in my
students by explaining to them the various reasons that people have for choosing their beliefs and
how we can work together for the good of our country by first allowing others to be heard, and
compromising. The purpose of education is to give students the knowledge they need to make
informed decisions, and then allow them the freedom to do with that information what they
choose. The role I will play in my classroom is a giver of information, unbiased with my own
opinions, and ensure that everyone in my classroom feels that they can share, and debate in a
productive and respective manner. The role of my students will be to take an active role in their
education. By this I mean they must participate in class discussions, and understanding to the
classmates. To think, share their personal stories, and to listen. As a community member, and a
parent, I see myself as a role model. I will share my personal stories with my students, I will
show respect for everyone in my classroom, and respect for my fellow teachers. I will engage in
political events such as voting, and jury duty and share my experiences. We will have a
government club at school that I will head to encourage team building and after school club
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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
engagement. To encourage my students to discuss their goals and aspirations and beliefs I will
create a safe space in my classroom free of judgment.
In my government/civics classes I will encourage global awareness by not only teaching
our government policies of the United States, but how those effect other countries. How those
effect each individual student. My classroom management techniques will be simple but
effective. Begin each period with a welcoming high five or smile to each student as they walk in
the class, engage them in discussion about their other classes, what they are reading on social
media, and various other ways of showing them I care about them as individuals. The number
one rule in my classroom will be; respect other peoples opinions. If any one of my students
breaks this golden rule they will be in after school detention with me to discuss why I have this
rule, and why its so important to our learning environment. I will establish procedures and
expectations on the first day of school, and have the class rules that myself and the students came
up with posted on the wall for everyone to see. Desks will be in rows, not pushed together at
first, and then when groups are established I will place their desks in those groups so that they
can work together more effectively. I will end each day with a reflection post on our classroom
website and students will have until midnight that night to respond. This will be the only
homework I assign.
My instructional strategy will be open discussion; students will want to ask questions or
input what theyve heard on any number of topics we will be learning. I will incorporate group
work, practice civics exams, and individual work all teaching to the Arizona state standards and
required civics exam. Assessments will be given in many ways, through reflective paragraphs at
the end of the lessons, to group projects, to class participation. My ultimate goals for the
government class is for them to pass the civics exam, and to have learned the value of respecting
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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
opinions that may differ from their own. On a more personal level with my students my goal is to
motivate them to attend college, especially those who do not think they can. I was that student, I
did not have anyone telling me to go to college, so I didnt. It took me until I was thirty-three
years old and I wish I had that teacher when I was in high school that had believed in me. As a
parent, I know how important a close relationship between parents and teachers can be so I will
be available to parents at any time. I will respond to their emails within twenty-four hours. I
understand that in teaching in Tempe public high schools that I may have students that come
from poor and unsafe backgrounds, therefore it will be extremely important to find relevance for
them. Tying how our government was founded into their everyday lives is what will engage
students and motivate them to learn.
