Teaching philosophies

Your philosophy should be no longer than two typed, double-spaced pages. Somewhere in your statement of philosophy answer the following questions: • What is the purpose of education? (What goals do you want your students to achieve?) • What is the student’s role? (What are students’ responsibilities?) • What is the teacher’s role? • What should be taught? (curriculum) • This statement of philosophy should rely on your personal beliefs and experiences. Your philosophy will be influenced by the knowledge and experience you acquire as you proceed through your licensure/certification program. You should also include reference to Biblical support for your personal philosophy of education. • You may want to “try on” a metaphor to more clearly and vividly describe your philosophy. Growing plants, filling a pitcher, and molding clay are some common (but stereotypical) metaphorical vehicles. You may want to create a new one to avoid previous connections associated with these three. Successful use of a metaphor may depend on using a skill, hobby, or activity you have experience with and also on knowing when to step outside the metaphor and show a contrast (for instance, unlike a bicycle, education has more than two wheels).