My Philosophy of Education

Meghan Mastroianni
Since 1973, under the passing of FAPE, every child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public
Education. However, twenty-first century education is much different than education was forty
years ago. Lets take a seat in a typical classroom you might find today: Technology is booming
and becoming more and more prevalent with the use of iPads, laptops, apps, and Promethean
boards. Face-to-face interaction with students and teachers is becoming more rare, while the idea
of a physical classroom is now taking place in online chat rooms, discussion boards, forums or
threads. A quick email to a teacher or a text message to a friend can be sent with the click of a
button to answer any question, at any time of the day. We must learn to incorporate these new
and innovative methods into our classroom daily and use the methods that benefit our students
the most. The only consistent thing about education is that it needs to be student-centered,
furthermore, student-driven. An article in EdTech Magazine interviewed teachers across the
nation, but one specific point stood out to me. Matthew Braun, a seventh grade math teacher in
Philadelphia said, A teacher with 21st-century skills and tools is one who can integrate strong
communication skills with manageable technology skills. Its someone who can creatively
problem solve both people- and equipment-related obstacles to learning. A teacher possessing
21st-century skills fearlessly seeks out methods and toolstechnologythat will enhance not
only their students learningbut their own personal growth as well. The concepts are not
changing, but, in order to keep up with society, we as teachers must change our methods to get
the most out of our students.
Some might ask, what is the purpose of education? Is it acquiring knowledge, reading books, and
learning facts? Or is it teaching to the test so that all students can pass with proficient on
standardized testing? I believe Maria Montessori stated it best, The purpose of education is to
aid the lives of children. We must provide children with valuable experiences that give them the
best opportunity to learn new ideas and concepts. She emphasized the importance of hands-on
activities in the classroom. I try and use students as examples to introduce new concepts that may
be confusing. In kindergarten, when introducing addition and subtraction with numbers 1-10,
what easier way is there than to use the actual students in the class. Having them move around
the room, interacting with each other, and always applying the material to their personal interests
is the best way to appeal to their minds. Students do not learn from watching the teacher perform
every problem, and create every activity; teachers give students the ingredients they need to
create their unique recipe.
Student success can be reached by correctly differentiating instruction, tiering students based on
data and assessments, using proper tools, and cultivating environments that are developmentally
appropriate to each individual student. It is necessary to meet the needs of each child in all
aspects: socially, physically, cognitively and emotionally. Not all students will fit into the mold
that you create for your classroom. For example, a school-wide behavior management program
may be a good outline, but students may not respond, as they should. Each child needs to be
looked at as an individual and not be categorized as a first grader, but their own person. As
teachers, we must account for these differences and always be ready to adapt lessons and make
accommodations for students that learn differently or at a different pace.

Incorporating diversity throughout the lessons is so important to keep the students engaged and
constantly eager to learn. I will be sure to include opportunities for students to meet their
learning style needs whether they are kinesthetic, visual, or auditory. I will differentiate lessons
by giving independent activities, partner work, and group projects; having time outside, in the
gym and going on field trips. The best way students will fully understand is to immerse them into
the material; for a lesson on the five senses, my students and I took a nature walk, exploring each
of the five senses as we discovered all there was outdoors. I want my classroom to be inviting
and exciting for the students, giving each one an opportunity to learn at their highest level.
Vygotsky sees the way that children develop is influenced by their culture: the circumstances of
their family, the values at school and the location of the community. Ultimately, we learn more
by who and what we surround ourselves with. A students home life and upbringing may be the
reason why they struggle or succeed in the classroom. Their parents may not enforce homework
time and may not even be around to oversee what they are doing with their time. Sending out a
weekly newsletter as well as using a behavior calendar to keep track of students both
academically and behaviorally is so vital to parent/teacher communication. Through the
newsletter, I would identify the objectives and goals for the week in our core subjects, important
upcoming events and reminders both for parents and students. By informing them on what is
going on and keeping them updated, I have opened up the communication between us to a twoway street.
The best way to control behaviors in the classroom is to establish excellent classroom
management techniques. Immediately, classroom rules should be established and enforced
consistently. I believe creating a positive classroom, and even doing so through the language in
which the rules are stated. For example, instead of saying, Do not run in the classroom, we will
say, Walk in the classroom. It will give students the opportunity to not be so hung up on what
they cannot do and focus on what they need to do in the classroom. Proximity is necessary and
usually will shut down a student is misbehaving immediately. I will be sure to stay confident and
organized to eliminate any opportunity for the students to feel in charge.
By understanding our students and knowing them on a deeper level, we have the ability to get the
most out of them. If we can do this as educators, we will benefit the students more in the future
and help prepare them for careers not yet created, as well as situations they may be confronted
with. I strongly believe that you learn more in the classroom from your peers, experiences, and
mentors rather than what is in the book and on the paper. Learning is not being able to digest and
memorize a multitude of information so that you can regurgitate it on an exam. Learning is
experimenting, and figuring out ways you best solve problems, because in life, you are not
always dealt a hand you have seen before. Learning is inquiry-based.
Ultimately, we have to remember that we are helping to write the first pages of our students life
story. I dont want to be just a teacher when you flip through the pages. I want to be a role model,
a hero, and an imprint on my students forever. I believe it is part of my duty to make sure those
children are safe when they are at school. Ultimately, parents give teachers their utmost trust
when they send their children to school. Just as two teachers gave their lives for their students in
the Sandy Hook incident, it will be my responsibility to protect, teach, model, and care for my
students on a daily basis, and I am very excited for that opportunity.