Philosophy of Education

Philosophy of Education
Sarah B. Sarratt

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Philosophy of Education

A teacher is a chef, seasoning his stew with specific measurements of spices to create a
flavorful harmony. In my metaphor I make many comparisons. The assumed vegetables in the
stew are the students. Most stews contain many different types of vegetables representing the
diversity of students within a classroom. The teacher is being represented as the chef as the chef
is in control of the stew as a teacher is in control of the classroom. The spices are the
information being taught by the teacher. When making a stew the chef doesnt just dump
everything into the pot all at once, he puts different ingredients in at different times of different
measurements. Teachers assess a classroom and introduce different pieces of information as the
class becomes ready through different teaching strategies. As the stew is complete it has had time
to marinate in all the other ingredients to become a flavor harmony, much like at the end of a
year the students have learned together to move onto the next step in their education.
Teaching is the best way to keep yourself in a continuous state of learning. It is believed
that you never cease to develop cognitively. Psychologist Jean Piaget theorized Piagets Stages
of Development which gives a generic timeline as to when different types of cognitive
development occurs. Teachers are blessed with the ability to develop on one stage as their
students develop on other stages. In addition to the continuous state of learning, I benefit from
seeing the success of students academically, socially, and emotionally.
The purpose of education is to provide for students so they can continue to provide for
themselves after high school graduation. Every student is expected to succeed on their own after
high school no matter the post-graduation path they choose to take. The role of K-12 educators is
to equip each and every one of their students with the knowledge and skillset to have an equal
opportunity to succeed in life. Typically educators encourage students to continue education

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post-graduation, but students should all be equipped for the work force at that point based on the
standards taught throughout their Kindergarten -12th grade years.
My father, previous public educator, left me with some large shoes to fill after his
passing. The entire community was influenced by his legacy and role in education. I now hope to
make and equal or larger impact on the community I educate in. I have a passion for sharing
information but more importantly I have a passion for nurturing and caring for others. I hope that
as I am caring for and sharing my knowledge that others recognize my creativity and
innovativeness within the classroom as I communicate and display information in nontraditional
ways.
My 5 Key objectives as a teacher are: teacher/student relationships, organization of the
learning environment, classroom management and discipline, instructional strategies,
relationship with families/parents.
As a public educator, I have set standards I have to cover in the classroom mandated by
the state. The state, however, does not mandate how I teach the information. In my classroom, I
will strive to have a student led learning environment. In my experience, having several types
teaching styles tends to lead to more student success. I plan to have times throughout the day
allotted for small group, large group, and individual learning. This is to ensure everyone has an
equal opportunity to receive the information the best way possible.
There are 168 hours in a week. Students only spend approximately 40 hours a week at
school. The remainder of that time is spent at home with their families and parents. It is very
important as an educator that I establish good relationships with parents so the classroom may be
extended into the home. Principal and philosopher, Alfie Kohn, believes homework is harmful
cognitive development, and rather than completion of monotonous assignments, students retain

Philosophy of Education

more knowledge in class with basic discussion and review of what was learned in school that
day. I strive to have families on the same page as me, the teacher, so families know what to
review with students at home.
My goal with each student is to get to know their learning style and establish trust.
Without trust, the student will deny all information being taught therefore hindering their
learning. I plan to provide for my students to ensure Maslows Hierarchy of Needs are met so I
may continue to educate on the Georgia Performance Standards. Getting to know each
individuals learning styles ensures that I teach information in various ways to ensure each
student has an equal opportunity to learn and no one is left behind cognitively.
I believe the learning is better cultivated when student led, therefore, my classroom will
be organized to promote self-exploration. Many preschool classrooms are set up to have different
centers, but I plan to continue this layout into my elementary classroom. Each center will be
equipped with tools and materials for their respective subjects including math, science, writing,
art, music, reading, social studies, history, physical fitness, etc. Having centers promotes selfexploration and group exploration so students may scaffold teach each other and direct for
teaching opportunities. The other benefit to self-exploration is the child may inquire information
based on their best learning style.
Most students do not benefit from negative criticism but instead flourish with positive
feedback and constructive criticism. My idea for classroom management promotes money
management skills, and is founded on positive feedback with some constructive criticism.
Classroom currency will be awarded for positive behavior and student successes. Inevitably
every classroom will face negative behavior, as consequence no classroom currency will be
awarded, rather, constructive criticism will be provided. In example, Student A assists a peer to

Philosophy of Education

better understand a math concept. Student A would be awarded with classroom currency. Student
B makes fun of a peer for not understanding a math concept. Student B would be removed from
the situation and the teacher would provide better alternatives for handling the situation. No
classroom currency would be awarded or taken away from Student B. When dealing with
extreme behavioral problems that need to be disciplined, providing the student with quiet time
in a place to escape in solitude to calm down from the situation is beneficial. This quiet time is
different than standard time out as it is not a form of punishment, but rather a place to calm
down, relax, and re-evaluate reactions, and correct the situation. The student may stay in quiet
time until he/she is ready to move on in a positive manor.
Based on my studies at Piedmont College, and my experience in classrooms, Alfie
Kohns theory, Abraham Maslows theory, and Jean Piagets theory, have all influenced my
philosophy of education. I plan to create an environment that promotes learning exploration
through many teaching strategies for continuous cognitive development and life preparedness
after the completion of 12th grade.

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References

(2015). Rethinking Homework - Alfie Kohn. Retrieved October 03, 2016, from
http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/rethinking-homework/
Powell, Sara Davis (2015). Your Introduction to Education. New Jersey: Pearson.