Adam Bliesners

Philosophy of Education

January 2017
Adam Bliesner January 2017

Philosophy of Education

I believe the purpose of education is guided self-discovery. A student knows what they

are interested in but as an educator I present to them material, in light of their interests, to

encourage self-exploration. During this guided discovery and exploration, challenges will be

inevitable. These challenges will be overcome with encouragement and using previous

knowledge obtained to conquer the challenges. The student will gain confident by overcoming

these challenges. Every student has the ability to learn and it is my job as an educator to present

the objectives, lessons, assessments and feedback to students, colleagues, parents and

administration to give the student the chance to achieve their highest potential.

This has not always been the case in the history of education in the United States.

Education in our past has been used to achieve political, social and economic agendas. We have

had education divisions by social economic class, race, gender and nationality. Education has

also been used to meet the needs of nation through STEM emphasis during the space race to

specific content areas to satisfy needs in business.

Today our students find themselves competing against a global market more than ever

before. For this reason all of our students need an education that will challenge and inspire them.

To accomplish this task I plan to utilize a focused lecture coupled with independent and group

application practice within class time. My desire is to encourage the students in self-paced and

productive struggle. I want to be able to answer questions for the students and help them work

through this productive struggle.

I also understand the challenges may not always come from the classroom. I will be

sensitive to understand the culture diversity of my classroom. I will work hard to highlight

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Adam Bliesner January 2017

multiple contributions from people of different ethnic backgrounds as possible. I want my

students to understand it takes everyone contributing together to move forward. Multiple

perspectives make for a brighter future for everyone.

When circumstances of life prevent a student from learning, I will use all the support and

training available to me to ensure every student is given the best opportunity to learn. I will not

go it alone and will rely on others to assist me. I will communicate with parents, administrators

and other educators to get their insight. I will research and communicate with other educators to

adapt their procedures to assist me. I will be a part of a learning team of educators, within my

school, that analyze student work with the purpose to improve student learning. For example, I

will use responsibility cards to educate responsibility with a student in a non-threating way.

Responsibility cards are done when an assignment is missing or not complete. The card

documents the missing/incomplete assignment and the reason. The student signs the card and

turns it in as the assignment. This card allows them to communicate their honest feelings without

any pressure. The responsible card is kept with the assignment. This is not meant as a

punishment but merely an exercise in being responsible.

The classroom will be student-centered. Multiple modes of instruction will be provided,

to include student collaboration, private work, teacher directed, small group collaboration and

when possible the utilization of technology. This will allow the student to choose the method of

learning that works best for them. My goal is for them to learn the material from multiple

perspectives. I want them to learn for me, learn from others and learn from their selves.

I am a facilitator in this process of learning. I am a resource for the student to use but not

the only resource. An education does not only occur in a classroom. I will use community

resources; collaborate with parents, colleagues and administration to enhance the relevance of

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the educational material. It will be enhance by showing the relevance by the use of the course

material in real-world situations. Community members, parents, colleagues and administrators

will explain how the material benefits them in their everyday life. Education does not stop at the

end of a school day. It continues from birth to death. We never stop learning. Sometimes learning

is on purpose and sometimes it is by accident. This applies to students and me alike. Learning is

a lifetime commitment.

I will continue to hone my professional skills through continuing education, collaboration

and reflection. I will pursue higher education and professional development classes and

seminars. I will collaborate with educators within the school and outside the school. My

membership to NEA and ACTE will allow me to collaborate with other educators outside and

within my field of study. I also will reflect on my days, weeks and months as an educator through

an online journaling website and within lesson plans. I am committed to growing myself as

professional to be the best possible educator and resource for students to better themselves. My

commitment is exercised in my interest to become a Nationally Board Certified Teacher as soon

as I am eligible, after three years of teaching.

Children are a gift. I am a knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision maker for a diverse

and changing world. Teaching is a unique, valuable, and changing profession. I look forward to

demonstrate I care, I am knowledgeable and I can make good ethical decisions in a diverse and

changing world. I am ready for the opportunity to make a difference in your school!