Taylor Brown

Professor Saladino

EDU 201

27 April 2018

Philosophy of Education

For as long as I can remember, I have always been able to answer one question without a

pause, or even so much as a blink. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a

commonly asked question and I couldn’t count how many times I have been asked it in my

lifetime. One thing is for certain, though; my answer has always remained the same. I want to be

a teacher, and not just any teacher, an exceptional one.

My life has been impacted tremendously by many educators over the years, ones who

have challenged me, who have believed in me, and who have never given up on me. I am

inspired by those teachers. I am choosing this profession because I have always had a love for

children and the desire to better the community. My thoughts have not changed after this course

or after my observation hours. I still have the drive and passion to become a future educator here

in Clark County. As far as personal knowledge, background training, and skill sets that will serve

me when I move forward, I would say the classes I am taking now and the ones I will continue to

take will be extremely beneficial. I would also add the hands-on work I will have the opportunity

to take part in throughout my journey in becoming an educator.

My current understanding of the complexities of the Clark County School District are

ever-changing. I am learning more and more as we progress through this semester. I have learned

an incredible amount of information regarding things most people coming into the profession

aren’t aware of. For example, most people believe teachers only work a “normal” 40-hour work
week, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Teachers don’t ever stop working, they

work on weekends, on summer break, and they work day certainly doesn’t end when the bell

rings.

The educational philosophy that stands out to me the most would have to be a mixture of

progressivism and existentialism. I believe both options are extremely student centered and that

is important in my book. I hope to challenge the students, but also give them the support they

need to explore their own interests. The historical knowledge I have learned has shown me how

far the educational system has come, and how much farther we must go. We have made

astounding changes over the years in school policy and reform, it is truly incredible. However,

there are many areas that still need to be worked on. One strategy I have made a goal for myself

to complete before I begin my teaching journey is to learn Spanish, and American Sign

Language. I hope to be completely fluent in both languages, that way I have less of a barrier with

future students.

There are many qualities that make a wonderful teacher, but in my opinion, when in this

profession one must be patient, kind, passionate, committed, and honest. These are qualities I

have been taught growing up and are what I believe to be the most important to possess in

moving forward in a career in education. As far as our book states, “qualities of a good teacher

include, committed, caring, courageous, conscious, and centered.” (Koch, pg. 8)

The specific steps I plan to take to achieve my personal goals include, but are not limited

to, earning my master’s degree in education, getting a job teaching at my primary choice

elementary school, and completing volunteer work throughout my journey (hopefully all at new

places every time.) I couldn’t be more thrilled to be on this path and I truly hope to one day be

even half the teacher the ones I am inspired by are.