Justin Higgs

Dr. Robert Vanderburg

April 30, 2014
History Principles and Philosophy
Philosophy of Education
Through my studies at Claflin University and my experiences in primary and secondary level
classrooms, I have developed a philosophy of education that I will use in my personal classroom as a
teacher. Initial themes of my philosophy of education promote the idea that teaching is not a profession
that should be taking lightly. It is the role of teachers to prepare their students for life after the classroom.
Through lessons and classroom interactions I believe that that there are three essentials that students
should leave a classroom with; students should: (1) receive proper forms of instruction that provide the
knowledge and skills required to thrive as intellectuals outside of the classroom (2) identify who they are
and become aware of their potential to contribute something to society, and (3) understand the importance
of education through classroom instructions, activities and motivation supporting and/or developing their
desire to learn.
Focusing on the role of the teacher, it becomes the top priority that educators provide the
essentials to each student in order to mold intellectuals. I believe that teachers should be exceptionally
knowledgeable in the areas they instruct. In addition, teachers should know how to communicate this
knowledge to the students through diverse methods that meet the needs of each student. This simply
means that the teacher becomes a resource for each student. Teachers must understand that their duties do
not end after the class is dismissed. Instead there must be clear understanding that as a resource, teachers
must have an open mind and willing character to assist students in areas of concern. Teachers should
definitely be aware of educational theories to recognize the various ways by which students will receive
information and recognize the best way to instruct their classes. In areas specifically concerning
classroom instruction, I believe teachers should prepare a classroom that is and remains organized.
Personal experiences in unorganized classrooms confirm that classrooms that are unorganized embrace
distractions and hinder learning. The class that is organized embraces success, positive attitudes and

discipline. I believe classroom organization should be a key concept in every classroom at any institution.
Without proper organization, students may be easily distracted forcing teachers to stray from initial
instruction to focus on behavior problems. The final role of a teacher includes preparing material that is
truly meaningful to their students. In cases where the information provided is not meaningful, students
may lose interest in learning. Again, attention may shift from instruction to behavior problems and/or
other minor complications such as, insignificant conversations amongst students.

http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/sample.html
http://www2.sfasu.edu/cte/Michelle_Files/HMS_300_Web_Content/PhilosophyofEducation.pdf
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept07/vol65/num01/Ten-Roles-forTeacher-Leaders.aspx