ITL 600 W1 Assignment 1

Learner Autobiography and Philosophy of Education

Dominique Sánchez

National University

November 4, 2018
ITL 600 W1 Assignment 2

Abstract

In this paper, I will introduce myself, my background, and share my intentions and goals as a

professional educator. I will also be explaining the results from the “What is Your Philosophy of

Education” survey. To begin, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and grew up in a

neighborhood called Pico Union. My mother was a young mom and raised her three kids on her

own. I was born 5 years after my sister and 5 years before my brother. My mom struggled a lot

and worked hard to make sure we had what we needed. Like food, birthday parties, hobbies, and

a good education. When my mom was younger, she had thought about going to college, but

unfortunately took a different path. Nonetheless, she raised us knowing that getting an education

was vital to our future success. Since preschool, I have enjoyed being in the classroom. My mom

said I was excited for my first day of school and I didn’t even cry! Learning was fun and I

enjoyed it very much. But something happened. Somewhere in the third or fourth grade, that

feeling went away. For the rest of my K12 experience, I struggled academically in some subjects

and glided through others. The excitement of school and learning was replaced with fear and

anxiety. In addition to sharing my goals as a future educator, I will also delve into my own views

and motivations regarding education and teaching.

ITL 600 W1 Assignment 3

Learner Autobiography and Philosophy of Education

I would say that I was an average student. I didn’t excel in any subject; however, I loved

reading and struggled the most in math. Even so, I liked going to school and learning.

Unfortunately, school became harder and harder for me. Math was simply gibberish to me, and

there was no fun in reading anymore. At the same time, my classes were getting bigger in size

and my teachers had less time to spend with students. I started to feel lost and overwhelmed.

By the time I was in high school, I felt like I wasn’t cut out for school, let alone college.

The excitement I once had was replaced with fear and anxiety. Research shows that students with

anxiety disorder display a passive attitude in their studies such as lack of interest in learning,

poor performance in exams, and on assignments. I was disheartened with school, and I dreaded

going every single day. I would have loved having Ms. Beagan as my teacher till I graduated

high school.

Inspiring Teachers

My fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Beagan, was the best. She taught me about sign language

and giving back to your community. She wore Birkenstocks and had long untamed hair. I felt

comfortable in her class. She was always calm and taught class with a huge smile. I could tell she

enjoyed teaching and see enjoyed teaching us.

Ms. Beagan was my favorite teacher because I enjoyed being in her classroom. I

remember being engaged and interacting with her and my classmates a lot. She had a bond with

her students and created a safe place for all of us. Her students strived and were having fun

learning. I needed more teachers like her.

ITL 600 W1 Assignment 4

Why Teach and Why Now

After nearly 20 years organizing students and parents in Los Angeles on educational

justice issues, I was ready to make a different kind of impact. I often reflect on Gandhi’s famous

quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Although the work I was a part of made tremendous impact on educational policies, I

want to make an impact in the classroom. I want to be the teacher, I needed when I was younger.

Now more than ever, young people need to have adults in their lives that make them feel seen

and heard. Now more than ever, young people need to feel safe and prepared for their future.

Now more than ever, we world needs more Ms. Beagans.

Survey Results

I want to make sure my students feel safe, seen, heard, and are engaged in their learning

experience. I want to inspire my students to be critical thinkers and creative learners. I want to

encourage my students to find their voice and help them develop the skills to effectively

articulate their ideas, thoughts, and needs. I want my students to believe in themselves and have

a sense of agency. At the same time, they’ll need to understand how important discipline,

accountability, and grit will be to their success. I wasn’t surprised with the survey results.

Rank 1: Progressivism

Rather than focus on content or on the teacher, Progressivists believe that education should be

student-centered, focused on active participation, questioning, and experimentation.

Rank 2: Essentialism

The core of this philosophy is the belief that there is an essential common core of practical

knowledge, skills, and moral standards that all schools should teach and that all students should

learn to become productive and valuable members of society.

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Conclusion

I believe education is life changing, and the impact a teacher can make on a young

person’s life is fundamental to their future. Thus, my intention as a future teacher, is to teach the

whole child, and not just content standards. My goal is to create a supportive community of

learners and thinkers who believe they have what it takes to be happy and successful.

Sometimes it only takes one adult to make a difference in a young person’s life. Just one

person to build their trust and be a part of their journey of unravelling their talent, confidence,

and uniqueness. As a teacher, I hope to inspire and motivate my fourth graders to find their

potential. It only takes one!

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References

1. Gallo, C. (2015). Talk Like TED. New York, NY: St. Martins Griffin Books.

2. Philosophy of Education Survey: Sadker, M.P. & Sadker, D. S. (1997). Teachers, schools

and society (4th ed., pp. 403-405.) NY: McGraw Hill.

3. Vitasari, Pita (2010). The Relationship between Study Anxiety and Academic

Performance among Engineering Students, Vol#8, 490-497. Retrieved from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042810021725