My Philosophy of Education

Courtney Lantz

Pittsburg State University

March 7, 2018
 It is important to know where I stand when it comes to figuring out my personal

philosophy of education. Essentialism, perennialism, progressivism, socialism, and

existentialism are five categories that aren’t the only way to define one’s philosophy, but they are

the main descriptions most educators describe their beliefs. By knowing my philosophy of

education, it helps show the reasoning behind how I choose to educate my students, why I

choose to teach certain criteria, how I discipline them and reward them, and what I choose to

teach.

When figuring out where I stand with my beliefs on my own personal philosophy, I lean

more toward the student-centered philosophies, Progressivism and Social Reconstructionism.

According to John Dewey, “Progressivism organizes schools around the concerns, curiosity, and

real-world experiences of students” (p. 283). John Dewey believed that because social learning

had meaning, it endured. Education needs to be an opportunity to take previous experiences and

apply them in new ways in our future. I will focus my teaching skills and techniques around

progressivism. As for teachers that are progressivists, there will not be one that is standing in

front of their class, teaching to rows of students, lecturing. As I teach my students the curriculum

needed, I will be spending time with them one-on-one, creating group activities and meet each

individuals specific learning needs to the best of my ability. It’s known that progressivist tend to

design their material around interests of the students, their abilities, and experiences to encourage

their students to work together well and perform in the classroom properly.

As for Social Reconstructionism, this philosophy “encourages schools, teachers, and

students to focus their studies and energies on alleviating pervasive social inequities and, as the

name implies, reconstruct society into a new and more just social order” stated by George Counts

(p. 284). Social Reconstructionists and Progressivists agree that schools should be focusing on
the needs of their students. I agree with a Social Reconstructionists view because it is important

for our students to understand the curriculum in their education, but also their world outside of

the school setting. George Counts, Social Reconstructionist, viewed education as an important

tool to counter social injustices. As stated by George Counts, “social reconstructionists believe

that school is the ideal place to begin ameliorating social problems” (p. 285). As an educator

with this intention, I believe that it is my goal for my students to become intelligent problem

solvers and enjoy learning as well.

I believe that my philosophy is more student-centered than teacher-centered or subject-

centered. First off, we cannot force our students or expect our students to learn the same way.

Each child is different in their own way as to the way they understand the curriculum to how

they study. Our society can’t expect our teachers to teach everything. I will do my part as an

educator and then feed the fire in my student’s ambition to learn and watch them succeed

themselves. To continue why I believe my philosophy is more student-based, education is not a

competition. There are many schools today that focus greatly on testing and getting the highest

scores. One quote I agree with whole-heartedly comes from a student-centered approach,

“National success will come from living up to our beliefs, not ‘beating’ the children of some

other nation on a multiple-choice test” (p. 289). This example seems to be our nation’s top

priority in education right now. Everyone is highly focused on getting the perfect scores to prove

that our students are capable of succeeding. We do not need the strict testing to do so. A child’s

success comes from inner drive and themselves wanting to succeed. As stated by the student-

centered approach, “Schools need to develop students’ inner motivation and stress student

cooperation, not competition” (p.289).

 My role as a teacher is to be someone my students can depend on. I want to be a role

model to them and encourage them to succeed and follow their dreams. Throughout my

education, I always saw my teachers as people I could talk to or ask for help if I were having

trouble; whether it be personal issues or academic issues. Teachers can be seen as a friend or

even a second parent to children who don’t have that figure at home. No matter their differences,

every student needs to be taught the same skills as others. Every student should be taught, and

every student deserves a teacher. As I become an educator, I start to see the deeper issues and

tasks teachers face today. We need to focus on the children because we are teaching them to

become leaders in this world and possibly future educators as well. They are the core of our

future and they are the reason I chose this profession.

 References

Sadker, D. M., & Zittleman, K. R. (2012). Pp. 274-292. In Teachers, schools, and society: A

brief introduction to education. New York: McGraw-Hill.