PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Meredith Lombardo
Gardner-Webb University
May 3, 2017
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Throughout the course of my Student Teaching experience, my perspective as an
Educator has continued to develop. My philosophy of education is rooted in the NCTCS
standards, and in a balanced approach to a student-centered classroom. The ideas behind the
standards have become the soil in which my goals for my classroom and students have been
planted.
Leadership
It is essential to demonstrate loving leadership in the classroom. This involves
communicating vision and direction to students, so that they will be encouraged and empowered
to take ownership of their own learning. My students became leaders as I facilitated
opportunities for them to synergize. By modeling strong leadership, my students learned to lead
themselves.
Environment + Relationships
My goal for my classroom is to create a safe, nurturing learning environment, where my
students are not afraid to make mistakes, but are also held to high expectations, and where order
and organization provide a place of calm and peace in their lives. Establishing a, growth
mindset culture in my classroom helps achieve this goal; students learn to speak empowering
words over themselves I cant do thisyet, and Mistakes are proof that you are trying. I
want my students to recognize that each one of them has something valuable to contribute, and
that we can be stronger and better, together.
Planning + Instruction
I have learned how important it is to integrate literacy into every content area, in order to
strengthen my students developing literacy skills. Integrating the content areas is essential to
deepening student understanding, and also provides opportunities for them to transfer their
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
learning. Another hallmark of my teaching is using a variety of assessment data to plan
differentiated strategies, with the goal of increasing individual student growth and engagement.
Facilitation of Learning
I desire to establish strong relationships with my students. When students know they are
loved and respected, their hearts are far more open to listening and learning. An established
rapport, coupled with an understanding of developmentally appropriate and relevant instruction,
is instrumental in creating an environment in which my students thrive. With consistent
encouragement and strategic planning, my students have begun to take ownership of their
learning, and have blossomed in their abilities to collaborate, communicate, explore their
creativity, and to think critically.
Reflection
Reflection is a key element in my classroom; honest reflection paves the way for
exponential growth, and lifelong learning. It is essential that I evaluate the effectiveness of my
planning and instruction, in order to best meet the needs of my students. When I model reflection
and metacognition, my students begin to learn how to think about their own thinking, which sets
the stage for self-directed learning.
By implementing these goals and strategies in my classroom, I have been privileged to
witness each of my students make incredible personal and academic growth. As I have changed,
so have they, and it has been for the better. John Dewey said, The goal of education is to enable
individuals to continue their education. My goal for my students and myself, is that we would
continually become lifelong learners. Today is only the beginning, and the future is bright!
