I started my first semester of college recently as an education major. I went into my first college class, Education 101, nervous with excitement. I could not wait to start my process of becoming one of the most accepting, understanding and kind teachers there is. That was my starting philosophy of what a teacher should be. Although teachers should be accepting, understanding, and kind, ultimately, a teacher is one of the best when they inspire students to learn.
To illustrate, my time in my education class taught me the importance of serving my community. I should aim to work in a school district with a low economic standing. I agree with this idea of teachers working where they are needed most. Teaching will be more straightforward in an excellent school district where kids come from good backgrounds, but more is required. Those kids are already inspired to learn. As future educators, we must go out into our community and encourage the kids who do not want to know.
Furthermore, the philosophy I gained with a preservice educator mindset is that education gives you possibilities. Children are inspired to learn by showing them the opportunities they gain with an educator. For example, one of my favorite books, I Will Always Write Back, is about an American girl and a Zimbabwean boy who came into contact with each other via the pen pal program their schools had. Neither of them would have become great friends had they not been inspired to learn each other’s culture and country.
Therefore, a vital teaching philosophy future educators must have to walk into the classroom is to remember that education gives students life opportunities once you have inspired them about what they are learning. A student may become inspired after a particular math problem because you, as a teacher, showcased how beautifully complex math can be in life.
In addition, another teaching philosophy I gained through my experience in the village project, an act of community service in my core curriculum of Education 101, is learning yourself through teaching. It was great to dive right into a teaching setting, but with that came the realization that I needed to be more mentally ready to become a teacher. I want the students I work with to be happy, but how can I show them to be inspired to learn? They might not when their teacher struggles daily to be inspired by herself. I am not going to show my mental problems in the classroom, but what will be shown in the classroom are my motivation levels. They were affected when I was offering support to a group of children. Wherefore, teaching inspires you, and you begin to learn who you are as a teacher. So, when you are inspired, you will inspire the students.
Lastly, the final teaching philosophy I gained from my Education 101 class is that as a future educator, you need compassion. Do not hold onto pre-notions you might have about becoming a teacher. Each child is different and needs to be inspired in different ways. Each administration is distinct, and you need to adapt to the best of your ability. Each school environment is diverse, and you must build your classroom accordingly to help students learn.
Thus, a sound philosophy that future educators must have for their classrooms is compassion, allowing yourself to grow, and opening up your students’ minds. With these critical ideals, you will inspire a child to search for life opportunities with their education, love themselves, and be encouraged to accept change.
