1. Philosophy of Education: Thomas Landers Revised May, 7, 2014
As time passes I find my view on education is continually being reformed. I experience and learn
new and interesting things which add to, take away from and alter my personal philosophies. In order to
properly express my philosophy of education, I need to briefly explain how I view my own, ongoing
education. I believe that everyone is a student and should be continually learning and gathering
information; seeking to find what is true to us as individuals. I firmly believe that in order to further
oneself as a student one needs to be constantly questioning and revolting (in a healthy manner) against
everything one learns. Accepting information at face value, due to status quo, or for traditional reasons
can cause one to be misled, misused, and in the end not truly being educated, but indoctrinated.
Learning not only the what, but the how and why behind everything is important. Constant inward
revision and reconstruction is important to progress as an individual towards a goal; whether it be
happiness, a career, a family, etc.
Educators exist to educate. Facts, statistics, knowledge and jargon are all excellent and
important things to learn, but without instilling a background of wonder and curiosity, a desire to learn
and question, as well as high levels of thinking and self-worth, the “fundamentals” become a pastime;
temporarily stored in one’s mind to be regurgitated, unquestioned, back onto a test, an interview or to
be completely forgotten altogether. While some facts and data may be residually retained, very little will
be accomplished without continual, self-motivated thoughts and movement towards learning.
Students should have freedom in every aspect of their education. The idea of freedom can mean
different things to different people. Some may consider freedom the ability to what they want when
they want it. Others may define freedom as more of a mental state; allowing oneself to be free of worry,
obligation and ambition. While even others view freedom as the ability to have their own worries,
obligations and ambitions. Freedom for students means a safe learning environment, an existence

2. without fear to question, explore and observe, and the ability to choose to follow guidance from an
educator. Having a setting which nourishes freedom as I described is incredibly important to me. Added
and unnecessary stresses of fear and worry have no place in the classroom or any place in a child’s life.
Obligation and responsibility are extremely important concepts I believe are imperative to an
education. Realizing one’s actions not only affect people in the immediate room, but also affect
institutions, communities, families and most importantly one’s self. In the area of music, the idea of
obligation to a group becomes a central theme. Orchestras, choirs, bands, ensembles, soloist, all need to
feel obliged to the group. Each person is equally important, which adds to self-worth, and has a task to
do. No one person is more important than the other. This sense of obligation builds comradery that can
last a lifetime. Humans are social beings, and being (no pun intended) an equal part of a group creates
an emotional response that is inexplicably important to mental and physical health. Once a student has
realized his or her obligation to a group next comes the theme of responsibility to that group. If every
individual holds himself or herself responsible for their part, there is no need for accountability.
Accountability is only needed when responsibility is removed. An educator must demonstrate
responsibility and obligation in every action in order to properly guide students. When a student decides
to commit responsibly to his or her obligation many negative aspects of accountability subside. Stress
and worry are decreased as students feel less held accountable by another but more held responsible
inwardly.
Standards, fundamentals, facts, data and requirements are all learned and met through the
approach of intentional self-education, freedom to make decisions, and self-decided responsibility and
obligations. An educator’s role is to be prepared in every aspect to guide students to learn these things.
It is ultimately the choice of the learner to do the learning and the responsibility of an educator to do
the educating. I had an excellent band director in high school who led not only through his mantras, but
his actions. To this day, I seek, repeat and revise these mantras to further my education. Concerning

3. preparation: “Prior preparation prevents poor performance.” Concerning leading by example: “Some
people lead, some people follow and then there are those that do.” Concerning freedom, obligation and
responsibility: “Wisdom is not found at the top of the graduate school mountain but there in the sand
on the kindergarten playground; When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and
stick together.” (Robert Fulghum) These sayings, if you will, I hold dear and do my best to follow in
everything I do. Education is a vital part of life and should be treated as such.