EDUCATION AND THE SCHOOL

I believe the school is meant to reflect the diversity and shared values of the community it resides in,
while at the same time stand for it's growth and improvement. That is, the school does not
exist as an isolated institution that deals with matters that exist only within itself but
rather functions as an extension of the society to which it belongs. Therefore, when
students walk into the school, they are bringing with them important educational
experiences from their homes and neighborhoods that ought to be acknowledged and
fostered inside the school walls. What is key to understand is that it is the children who
are the core of every school, and it is their culture, race, gender, knowledge,
experiences,and interests that ought to be on the forefront of every educator and
administrator's mind.
THE SUBJECT MATTER
I believe both Social Studies and Language Arts education exist to reach all types of
learners from a diverse range of backgrounds, as these are elements that enrich the
classroom. Curriculum should be designed for students to understand material through
different facets of learning, including explanation, interpretation, application,
perspective and empathy. Therefore, Social Studies and English should go beyond the
memorization of a series of factual information and regurgitating information on paper.
What is acceptable is learning through the different facets of understanding outlined
earlier, and generate ideas through different levels of questioning, and multiple
perspectives thereby allowing students to make sense of topics that reflect a complex
world in a way that is relateable and engaging. Educators also should work to build
opportunities for students to build their reading comprehension and writing skills in the
content subject area in order to live and contribute to a literate society.
Social Studies and Language Arts classrooms are where connections should be made to
help students understand and live in their worlds. I believe that Social Studies and
English curriculums should incorporate current issues, pop culture elements and content
that helps open up the classroom experience to the real world; students need to see
that both are educational experiences that relate to one another. This entails breaking
down the myth that the world inside the classroom must be isolated from what is
outside, because to live and teach according to such a myth undermines the legitmacy
and value of classroom learning. To combat such a misconception, we must invite the
experiences of our students and the greater outside issues of the world into our
classroom to create a relevant learning experience for everyone.
I believe lessons are built around desired outcomes and understanding can be assessed
in various ways. Units are guided by essential questioning that ties to fundamental
themes that relate to greater issues that are occuring in the world. Meaningful learning
is not just about lesson design, however; I have come to find that meaningful learning
takes place when students are sharing their ideas and views in class or within small
groups. Collaboration of sharing ideas and thoughts between students and the teacher
helps everyone identify, clarify, and think of new possibilities that may have otherwise
been overlooked. It is also a form of assessment, as students can learn from each other
things they may have missed, or clarify others. Thus, meaningful learning is facilitated
by the teacher and centered on students experiences, interests, knowledge, and input.

EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY

I believe that staying socially insightful to the idea that the digital world is changing the
way newer generations are thinking and living is essential, and that it is part of our role
as educators to entertain these factors in the classroom. This helps maintain a mindful
and relevant education for students. In the classroom technology is meant to be
shared by the students and the teacher and serves to promote an engaging and
interactive approach to learning. In addition, technology presents an opportunity to
stay connected with parents; classroom websites and blogs allow instant access for
parents to stay updated on their childs education. We must not stop at the notion that
technology is something that students have already mastered and exists only for
entertainment purposes; we must stay committed to the idea that to teach is to
empower. Students need to learn how to utilize technology in a way that promotes their
ability to expand their knowledge and apply themselves intellectually in order to make
informed and positive decisions. Furthermore, instructors can stay dedicated to making
this happen through professional and personal development.

THE SCHOOL AND SOCIAL PROGRESS

I believe the school and social progress go hand in hand, as education is the key to
every societys transformation and growth. As the saying goes; if you think education is
expensive, try ignorance. Our world today reflects the poisonous effects ignorance has
on societies. It is the students who are our future leaders of the world, and we must
educate them in a way that inspires them to want to learn, have compassion, and be
knowledgeable about the world they live in, so that ignorance can no longer cause
human suffering and other evils. We must help our students identify alternative
solutions and understand multiple perspectives alongside fostering their academic and
social skills. I believe these serve as avenues for social change and the progress with
humanity.

I believe social progress needs to start with changes and improvements made in the
local community, through volunteerism and collaboration with others. While we should
strive to recognize ourselves as global citizens, change begins at the grass root level,
within the local context. Classrooms are an environment where the same moral values
and actions for social progress of a community can happen. What if every classroom
functioned off of the notion that everybody matters? What if we could apply that to how
we live at a national level? A global one? While these standards seem idealistic, I
believe they are also worthy of aspiring to live by. The experiences students have in the
classroom should remain relevant to those they have beyond the four walls; it is an
avenue for students to see their role as citizens and agents of change in their
classroom, community, and world.