Think of your statement of educational philosophy as a mirror image.
Writing a statement of educational philosophy is an exercise that requires you to do some soul-searching and to ask some tough questions. Before you even start applying for teaching jobs, write your statement of educational philosophy. The process of writing this important document, which serves as the cornerstone of your philosophy, values and aspirations as an educator, is an opportune time for self-reflection. Putting your thoughts down on paper and knowing that other people will be reading your statement may initially seem a touch daunting. However, with a little creative effort, you can craft an educational philosophy that you can confidently send to potential employers and proudly hang on your classroom wall.
Instructions
1. Take some time to think about education and what it means to you. Consider the best teacher you've ever had and then think about the worst. Contrasting their educational philosophies will help you write yours.
2. Jot down ideas of topics you want to include in your statement. Engage in some free-flow thinking and see what sorts of things you can come up with that contribute to your philosophy of education.
3. Discuss the purpose of education. Articulate the reasons why you think universal education is important. Consider the problems that illiterate people have to help give yourself a framework.
4. Identify the role of the student. Talk about why students are in school and what benefits they can expect to gain because of the time spent there and in your classroom. Also touch on the roles and responsibilities of being a student.
5. Articulate your responsibility as a teacher. Mention that your primary responsibility is for the students that you teach and sketch in how you plan to do your best to be an exceptional teacher.
6. Examine issues, such as instructional strategies and classroom management, and explain how you are going to assess whether or not you have accomplished what you set out to do. Goals are wonderful, but you have to have an assessment process built in to know whether you achieved what you set out to do.
7. Include self-discovery. As well as being a teacher, you are also a learner. Working with students gives you an opportunity to explore your interests and develop your theories and ideas.
8. Frame your educational philosophy to include the wider community. As well as being directly responsible to the students and the school, you are also held accountable by the parents. The community sees you as a role model, so include that in your statement of educational philosophy.
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