EME 2040 Reflection # 8

Shaniece N. Jeffers
EME 2040
December 11, 2009
Reflection #8
Prof. Joseph McNair

My philosophy on education is quite simple, because education is always the key to success. Becoming is teacher isn’t just something that comes natural to some, but for other it is. As a child growing up in the Virgin Islands, I have always wanted to be two things a police officer or a teacher. As a child, a police was the most exciting and fun career; until you started hearing more and more police getting shot down in the street. Then my whole mind state shifted to my second option, which was to become a teacher.
Being from Caribbean decent, my parents were always strict on our education; and it helped me to realize more and more that teaching was the right decision for me. Despite the fact that my parents wanted me to work in the medical field, because they need that science was and still is my favorite subject. The decision was up to me, and it was made. Teachers are very well respected in some areas, they might not be the best paid individuals; but they always strive to make a difference in their student’s life. This is where my journey begins in providing a suitable and learning environment for educational purposes.
As a preschool teacher a well defined school that is well respected in the City of Miami; it has made it clear enough for me to see that teaching is something that motivates me to strive for knowledge. Every morning while walking into my classroom, seeing those smiles, frowns, and tears opens a drive within me to continue doing what was asked of me to do. Sometimes you just feel like grabbing your students, the ones that doesn’t seem to be quite interested in school and just telling them that this is what’s best for you, so take advantage of it now. They might be too young to understand, but you know that one day they will get it. You as the enforcer or the mentor should step up to the plate and try guiding them towards that path that you planted for them.
Education is something that should never be washed away because his knowledge that is there should never decay. Sometimes we tend to forget about what we have learned, but as soon as a little information grasps our attention; were back on track. With guidance and approach, your philosophy should be very enlightened to your students; no matter what. As a teacher we have to mold these kids into what we were mold into, so that the torch would never die out. Many people come up with their own philosophy on education whether it was Maria Montessori, Albert Einstein, or john Dewey; these people had a set philosophy for teaching.
In conclusion, I have been very blessed to work with different philosophies from Maria Montessori. Montessori thought that all children develop on their own time frame, and she didn’t believe in using assessment to know where each student stands within a classroom. My philosophy is quite similar to Montessori because my philosophy isn’t to burden my students with a lot of tests and quizzes. My philosophy is to let all my students feel the same, and receive the same education as every other student; despite their learning ability. I will try to develop the child’s mind state more than trying to assess each child with tests and quizzes. I feel that education should not be based on what the child knows, but more on understanding what the child is receiving from each lesson.