The document discusses the author's philosophy of education. They believe education should blend idealism, focusing on concepts and ideas, with realism, emphasizing practical applications. The author views education as equipping students with skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication to be successful members of society. They also argue that primary and secondary education are necessary for all students to develop cultural literacy and awareness, regardless of future career plans.

1. Philosophy of Education
Plato and Aristotle, the Fathers of Philosophy, had some interesting input on education.
They formed two philosophies: Idealism and Realism. Education is founded purely in concepts
of ideas. Realism is focused more on the realistic applications of what education can do. I’d like
to say that my philosophy of education blends idealism and realism. Like so, I believe in the
idea that education equips students with the ability to effectively communicate with other people
and allow them to navigate through society as informed and competent citizens. In a realistic
point of view, I recognize that not all subject area will be of equal importance or used for every
career job. However, learning how to read, write, perform algorithms, refer to history, and see
how the world is advancing around them enables students to be aware and relate to others. Most
people, if not all, need the skills to problem-solve, think critically, and communicate effectively
in order to be a successful and influential member of society. I stand firm that education is the
key to equipping students with these pivotal characteristics of a successful person.
In America, education is a constitution established for everyone; not exclusively for the
‘elite.’ All people have the right to be educated, so that all people have an equal opportunity to
learn, grow, and impact the world around them. This does not mean that I think every student
will become the president of The United States. Aside from not really being possible, not all
students want to be the president. Most students, before high school graduation, are still
undecided on their future career. Some students might choose multiple career paths until they
settle on just one. Following high school graduation, some will choose to serve in the military, a
non-profit organization, or manage their family restaurant. Traditionally, in such individuals are
thought of needing lesser education. In spite of that, I view primary and secondary education as

3. necessary, no matter what profession you choose. I stand firm on this philosophy simply
because of the importance of cultural literacy.
Regardless of profession, the ability to communicate effectively and relate to the world
around you is crucial for determining success. “We have ignored cultural literacy in thinking
about education. We ignore the air we breathe until it is thin or foul. Cultural literacy is the
oxygen of social intercourse,”—E. D. Hirsch, Jr. Cultural literacy is in a sense a shared
understanding of certain concepts. Most of us will hear the terms “WWII,” “noun”, and
“triangle”, and have a certain understanding about what these mean. In order to communicate
effectively, students need to know, understand, and be able to apply their knowledge. In
addition, technology is continuously advancing and changing the way people communicate,
spread and acquire knowledge. Students need to learn how they can be a part of this journey.
Bottom line is that having an awareness and understanding of the things that impact us daily are
critical for being an informed and well-rounded person. The various concepts of knowledge we
learn in school can overall be used for communicative purposes. This demonstrates a practical
application of something I hold true.
Education is invaluable. It is true that I did not like all school subjects, but looking back I
realized that each experience was beneficial. What makes education truly indispensable is the
learning process that takes place. I often get the same question from students about why they
must learn Algebra. I tell them it is like making your brain go to the gym. Perhaps you will
never become a bodybuilder or an olympian athlete, but don’t we feel stronger and healthier after
working out our muscles? I also like to say, “what you get out of something is a reflection of
what you put into something. Do you want to invest in your brain?”

5. Johann Pestalozzi once said “thinking leads a man to knowledge.” Struggling through a
word problem or pondering about how to form a strong thesis statement are two examples of
what can enhance a person’s ability to think. Thinking might hurt at times and you might not
want to do it, but like an old coach of mine always said, “no pain, no game.” Education is the
battlefield for learning. We have our losses, but then we have our gains. Losses could be the
pain that we take on when we stay up all night studying or thinking so much our brain just wants
to explode! In the end, it will not kill us, but only make us more equipped for the real world.
Education is and should always be a welcoming place for students to learn, make mistakes
and grow into a more wholesome person. Being a wholesome person entails the ability to relate
and be aware of others. Not only that, but to know how to work with different people in the
workforce effectively. An educated person should have the aptness to work in a team and
communicate with others in an effective manner. Education does not have the intention with
puffing people up with petty and useless knowledge, but instead, building people up into
confident, competent, and useful members of society.

7. Philosophy of Education
Plato and Aristotle, the Fathers of Philosophy, had some interesting input on education.
They formed two philosophies: Idealism and Realism. Education is founded purely in concepts
of ideas. Realism is focused more on the realistic applications of what education can do. I’d like
to say that my philosophy of education blends idealism and realism. Like so, I believe in the
idea that education equips students with the ability to effectively communicate with other people
and allow them to navigate through society as informed and competent citizens. In a realistic
point of view, I recognize that not all subject area will be of equal importance or used for every
career job. However, learning how to read, write, perform algorithms, refer to history, and see
how the world is advancing around them enables students to be aware and relate to others. Most
people, if not all, need the skills to problem-solve, think critically, and communicate effectively
in order to be a successful and influential member of society. I stand firm that education is the
key to equipping students with these pivotal characteristics of a successful person.
In America, education is a constitution established for everyone; not exclusively for the
‘elite.’ All people have the right to be educated, so that all people have an equal opportunity to
learn, grow, and impact the world around them. This does not mean that I think every student
will become the president of The United States. Aside from not really being possible, not all
students want to be the president. Most students, before high school graduation, are still
undecided on their future career. Some students might choose multiple career paths until they
settle on just one. Following high school graduation, some will choose to serve in the military, a
non-profit organization, or manage their family restaurant. Traditionally, in such individuals are
thought of needing lesser education. In spite of that, I view primary and secondary education as