1. Activity 1.

2: Philosophy of Teaching:
a. Write statement of your philosophy of education addressing the
following questions: Why should there be formal systems of education? What
should they accomplish? What is your place within the system?
Philosophy: A formal system of education is necessary for students so that all students have the
opportunity to learn to their highest ability. Every student deserves to learn, and it is the duty of
the teacher to provide the students with the opportunity to learn. Students should accomplish an
education to their best ability. Not only should students accomplish academic duties, but
students also should accomplish social skills, and problem solving skills they will need for their
everyday life in the future. As a teacher my place in the education system is to prepare learners
and be a role model. I have the responsibilities to teach students valuable life skills, such as
social problem solving skills. I also have the responsibility of making sure my students all reach
the highest of their potential, and make sure every student leaves feeling like they did their
absolute best.
2. Activity 4.3: Comparing Certification Requirements:
a. The internet makes a comparison of teaching certification
requirements in various states an easy task. Log on to
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/ccseas.asp for departments of education/certification
agencies for all states. Use that information for the following tasks:
i. Locate the URL for your state and one other state
(perhaps one where you might teach or your home state of youre away at
school). Select a certification level of interest (such as middle school) and
a secondary area (such as English or chemistry) or a PreK-12 area (such
as art or physical education).
ii. Use the internet to find the certification
requirements in your selected states and areas of interest.
To get your teaching licence in the state of Iowa you will need, Baccalaureate degree from a
regionally accredited institution, completion of an approved teacher preparation program,
completion of an approved human relations component, completion of requirements for a
teaching endorsement, completion of the mandated tests in the state in which the applicant is
currently licensed (graduates before Jan. 1, 2013) OR completion of the Iowa mandated tests
(graduates after Jan. 1, 2013). To get your teaching license in the state of Florida you will need,
Bachelor's Degree with a passing score on the Florida subject area examination (for
subjects that require no more than a bachelor's degree) Bachelor's Degree with a valid
certificate issued by American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE),
Bachelor's Degree with a Major in the Content Area Bachelor's Degree with Required
Courses and 2.5 GPA in the Content Area.
iii. How do the two states differ? Do they require, as
some do, that teachers have a course in the that states history? What are
the differences in terms of field experiences before or during student
teaching?
The two states differ because Iowa requires a series of tests, and Florida does not. Neither state
has a requirement that you have a course in the states history. Iowa has a requirement that you
you have a completion of an approved teacher preparation program, but Florida does not have
a requirement.
iv. Do you believe certification requirements should be
standard for all states in the country? What would be the
advantages/disadvantages of such a system?
Yes, I believe all states should have the same certification requirements. All states should hold
the same requirements and expectations for all teachers to be rightfully certified. The
advantages of this system would be that all teachers would have the same requirements, and all
teachers would have the same expectation, and it would give all states the opportunity of the
best and well trained teachers.