Philosophy Statement

Running Head: Philosophy Statement Michel 1
Philosophy Statement
Zachary Michel
Intro to Education 5100:200:002

Philosophy Statement Michel 2
Introduction
Growing up in a household where education was very important, especially when my
father worked for a public school, it was evident that my future would involve working in the
education field. My father taught for two years at Uniontown Lake before switching over to
Jackson Local Schools. At Jackson, my dad taught United States History and Senior Government
for twenty-three years before becoming an administrator. The connection he formed with
students was one that not many educators were able to form. His use of professional standards,
correct instruction, and his value for learning helped his students succeed inside and outside of
the classroom. I think the most enjoyable part of watching my dad throughout the years was how
he helped a student grow, from little knowledge and confidence in his or her abilities, and inspire
him or her to achieve things beyond what one could think. To see the smile on a student’s face
when he or she achieves greatness is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
As I head into the education field I plan to achieve the same greatness as my father. I plan
to impact students to learn at their greatest capabilities and accomplish their dreams. Along with
impacting students, I have a great system for my learning environment that promotes high levels
of learning and achievement for all students, and that advances the learning of each individual
student. I will constantly perform as an open learner taking responsibility for professional
growth, performance, and involvement as an individual and member of the learning community.
You will also have an individual who will collaborate and communicate with students, parents,
other educators, administrators and the community to support the learning of the students. I will
also incorporate varied assessments to inform instruction, evaluate, and ensure student learning.
Lastly, I plan on incorporating and using the source of technology to help improve the learning
process of all students. I have a brief philosophy statement that follows: Education is beyond one

of the most powerful tools an individual can have; it is a tool that once one receives it, it cannot
be taken away. Using professional standards, correct instruction, valuing the purpose of learning,
and keeping aware of diversity can help any educator make sure he or she is offering the best
education to their students. This philosophy will be my focus as I begin working in my
endeavors as an educator.
Standards for Teaching
As an educator there are several standards one must follow. The state of Ohio has content
standards that not only students must follow and pass but teachers also have a set of standards
that they must follow. My job as an educator is to not only meet these standards, but to go above
and beyond and exceed these expectations.
The Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession go as follow:
First, teachers understand student learning and development and respect the diversity of
the students they teach. Second, teachers know and understand the content area for which
they have instructional responsibility. Third, teachers understand and use varied
assessments to inform instruction, evaluate and ensure student learning. Fourth, teachers
plan and deliver effective instruction that advances the learning of each individual
student. Fifth, teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning
and achievement for all students. Sixth, teachers collaborate and communicate with
students, parents, other educators, administrators and the community to support student
learning. Seventh and lastly, teachers assume responsibility for professional growth,
performance and involvement as an individual and as a member of a learning community.
(Ohio Department of Education, 2007)
All seven of these standards put in place are crucial to follow. Any educator who follows
these standards has the keys to building a successful learning environment where student success
and high achievement are given.
Although these standards help guide any educator, to be successful, a teacher must go
beyond just these seven standards. In terms of how a teacher should be evaluated, there are more
than just these standards that go into the job. Every teacher must put in time beyond the eight

hours while he or she is at the school. A teacher takes several hours outside of the regular work
hours at home grading papers and creating lesson plans. This time is typically over looked by the
public eye. Teachers also put a lot of heart into what they do. Teachers are very caring
individuals who want to see their young students grow into spectacular individuals and leaders in
the world. Although the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession lay the foundation for
success, they also lack in certain areas when it comes to measuring how much a teacher cares.
In my field observations at Akro’s Middle School, I observed the teachers following
several of the standards. One example, for instance, was in Mrs. Wilson’s classroom. Mrs.
Wilson has a strong understanding of content, and it was very obvious when she explains
information to the students. Mrs. Wilson uses words like adjacent and hypotenuse. (Field
Notebook, February 17, 2015, p. 6). This follows the second standard for the teaching profession.
Ms. Wilson used several examples to connect content to relevant life experiences (Ohio
Department of Education, 2007).
When I become a teacher I find myself implementing each and every one of these
standards. I find myself, though, readily following a few standards quite more than others. First I
believe each and every teacher should follow standard seven; teachers assume responsibility for
professional growth (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). It is very important that teachers
continue to participate in the learning experience themselves. The world is constantly changing,
and teachers need to stay current, specifically with technology. I also take great pride in standard
five: teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning and achievement
for all students (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). It is very important that each student is
placed in a positive learning environment that is respectful and caring along with physically and

emotionally safe. By creating this positive environment each student is in an environment that
will set him or her up for success.
There are a few standards that I know I will need to work on so that I am successful as a
teacher. One area that I know I will need to grow in specifically is dealt with the first standard:
teachers understand student learning and development and respect the diversity of the students
they teach (Ohio Department of Education, 2007). Growing up in a very wealthy township, it
was a community that was not very racially diverse. The racial structure of the community is
predominately white, and the average income is well above sixty thousand dollars. Coming to the
University of Akron, I have been able to open up and participate in groups and activities that are
very diverse not only ethnically and racially, but also economic backgrounds. Although I have
started to participate in diverse groups, this is one area that I need to continue to work with. Not
every student is going to be the same, and I need to be aware as a teacher that each student will
be very different in every way.
These standards will help shape who I am and help me grow as a teacher. Although
standards are great to begin with as stepping-stones, to truly make a career out of teaching you
must also bring a few extra things to the table. First you have to be disciplined. There will be
several days where you consider giving up on the students and on the job. One must remember
the true reasons they got into teaching and to look at the overall big picture. For myself, I got
into the education field to help make a difference in a young man or woman’s life: to see him or
her grow into an excellent person, and thrive in what they are passionate about. One must also be
hard working. The field of education demands a lot of hours towards planning the entire process
out. One must put all his or her efforts into the process or the student will not truly get what he or
she deserves. I think that with hard work also comes a passion. When you put everything you

have towards the students, and truly care for what you are doing, you line yourself up to be very
successful! The three above listed skills are attributes that I thrive with.
Instructional Philosophies
One can tell a lot about a teacher by how he or she works with his or her students. Each
teacher comes to his or her classroom with a very special set of principles and ideals that will
affect their students’ performance. In education, this set of principles and ideals is an educational
philosophy. An educational philosophy is a personal statement of a teacher’s guiding ideals
about educated related issues, such as how student learning and potential are effectively
maximized (Lewis). The philosophy also has an ideal on the role of educators in the classroom,
school, community and society. A philosophy is the teacher’s purpose, values, methods that one
will use when he or she is in the classroom. It is very easy to view a teacher’s philosophy just
when one-steps inside a classroom to see how welcoming a teacher is to his or her students, how
his or her desk is arranged, or how they teach. Specifically lecture style or discussion based.
Simple things like this express the philosophy and opinions a teacher has towards education.
When I view education I believe I have a stance that is very balanced between the
teaching theories. There are five specific philosophies, which include Essentialism, Perennialism,
Progressivism, Existentialism, and Behaviorism. I consider myself an Essentialist, because there
should be an essential curriculum that guides the course. One must not stick specifically with that
curriculum guideline, but it should be used as a basis for the class and lead the learning process.
The Essentialism philosophy also involves and enforces what is being taught, and how that
information is being taught. What is being taught is very important to me. A typical class period
ranges from forty-five minutes to an hour and every minute must be used wisely.

I also consider myself Perennialist at times. Perennialism is a view where the teacher has
knowledge. The teacher then shares that knowledge with their students. A perennialist also views
education to be more individually driven than state standard and group taught. Although state
standards are great benchmarks for student success, every student is different, and each one has a
different learning process. I think it is very important to make sure each student receives what he
or she needs in the educational process.
Another philosophy is Progressivism. A progressivist believes that students are very
active in the learning process. Students work on the present and not the past. A progresivist is
very student-centered and has hands on learning. I think it is very important to incorporate the
student in the learning process, and have them fully engaged. It is great to stand in front of the
class and give your presentation and lecture for fifty minutes, but the students also must be
incorporated. By giving the student something hands on to work with, it is incorporated into their
brain and easily remembered.
Existentialism is the next idea. An existentialist believes students are in control. Although
I do not directly believe the students should control the classroom, I do believe in the view that
students can direct the learning by asking questions. A young student’s mind should wonder on
the topic at hand. When a student is curious about what is being taught that means it is very
thought provoking, and the learning process is taking place. Existentialism also allows for the
students to find their voice. Students are able to voice their opinion and learn on their own from
their own mistakes. I firmly believe that the best learning experience comes from making a
mistake.
The last idea is behaviorism. In behaviorism, topics and agendas are broken down into
small parts and testing occurs frequently. I think as teachers, we should test our students every

single day we have them. We may not give them a full exam or test each day, but constantly
asking our students questions to seek and find out if they understand the material which is being
taught. This follows standard three in the Ohio Standards for teaching. Assessment is key for any
teacher. Assessment can help guide and let a teacher know if he or she is getting their job done,
this allows them to know if the student has learned the material or not.
I think it is very important that the education process is very student centered and driven.
The purpose of the whole process is to make sure that each student is getting the best out of the
learning process and accomplishing his or her dreams. When interacting with parents and
colleagues it is important to keep a friendly and positive attitude at all times. Working with the
parents of a student that one teaches follows standard six in the Ohio standards for teaching. It is
very important that both are involved in the process, and the parents know exactly who is
teaching their son or daughter. They can help guide you in the process of working with their
child. Positive relationships with colleagues are not only conducive to the work place but it also
helps the students out as well.
There have been several influences on my philosophy as a teacher. Obviously one of the
most important figures in my life is my father. Seeing how he connects with students and is very
student centered has influenced me to make sure I am putting the student objectives first before
my own. Going into the teaching profession it is not about taking care of yourself, but taking
care of others, specifically the students that one teaches. Another figure that helped me grow as a
teacher was from the book Educating Esmé (Codel, 2009). Seeing Esmé’s creativity and ideas to
incorporate more than just standards into the learning process was masterful. One of my favorite
ideas was the bookshelf she created. At the beginning of the year Esmé created a bookshelf full
of adult literature. The books were full of challenging words that her elementary students would

not understand. Allowing her students to actively read (and read such big books) allowed for
them to expand their horizons and get out of their comfort zone (Codell, 2009). I think one of the
major goals a teacher should always try to accomplish is to get students out of their comfort
zone. By pushing students to do this, they grow as a person and as a learner. The more diverse an
individual is the more success one can have.
Another theorist or person that influenced my philosophy was Paulo Freire and his
chapter “The Banking Concept of Education”. Paulo Freire did not believe in the banking
concept. The banking concept is, “the capability of banking education to minimize or annul the
student’s creative power and to stimulate their credulity serves the interests of the oppressors,
who care neither to have the world revealed nor to see it transformed” (Freire, p. 107). The
banking system to me is like this: we as teachers have a handful of knowledge we deposit into
the minds of our students. The knowledge we given our students is like putting money into the
bank. The student collects and saves all this knowledge for our assessments, but the in the larger
picture the knowledge that we give our students is to be used later in college and in life. The use
on assessments and later in life is like taking money out of the bank and spending it; using the
knowledge we give them and using it to their advantage.
I struggled with understanding the true philosophy of the teachers at Akro’s Middle
School during my observations. The teachers are truly there to help educate the young students
mind in their particular topic or subject. Quite often I would hear a teacher complain about the
students behavior or how unmotivated the students were. This was very discouraging. I never
questioned these teachers’ philosophies, but if I could I would make the suggestion that each one
of these teachers rework their own personal teaching philosophies. In one of the first days of
class for intro to education we had to come up with a list of rules or guidelines for being a

successful teacher. One that was shared with me by Jim Tressel, former National Championship
wining football coach at Ohio State, was, “students do not care how much you know, until they
know how much you care.” (Personal Communication, May 2014). That quote has stuck with me
since the first day I met him during my freshman orientation. The whole philosophy and point of
the educational process is truly about how much you care for each and every one of the students
you have the privilege of teaching in your own personal classroom.
Diversities of Learners
No one was created alike in this world; the planet that we live on is very unique and
diverse. Diversity is the state of having people who are different races or who have different
cultures in a group or organization. Diversity in a school setting may include, but are not limited
to: gender, race, ethnicity, learning style, and economic background. Educators must be aware of
the unique diversities each student has. If one is aware that each student is different and works
with each student independently, then he or she is setting himself or herself up for success. By
creating an environment that works with each student you have created a setting that is equal and
that works for each and every one of the students in your classroom.
In today’s society stereotypes specifically dealing with racism and discrimination are on
the front page of news headlines everyday. In Sonia Nieto’s chapter in Educational Foundations,
Racism, Discrimination, and Expectations of Students’ Achievement, she talks about the different
problems one may face dealing with racism and discrimination in students. Sonia Nieto thinks
beyond the typical definition of discriminating race and even considers traits like height can be
discriminated against (Nieto, 43). Sonia Nieto states, “Our society, among many others,
categorizes people according to both visible and invisible traits, uses such classifications to
deduce fixed behavioral and mental traits . . . to benefit others” (Nieto, 42). When we as

educators end discrimination and create an equal classroom each student is given a positive
learning environment that sets he or she up for success. While I observed Mrs. Wilson’s class on
three different occasions, she was successful at creating a classroom that was equal in learning
opportunities. Mrs. Wilson did a phenomenal job at making sure each student participated within
the lesson (Field Notebook, April 14, 2015, p. 33). She provided opportunities that worked for a
visual learner as well as auditory learner. Mrs. Wilson and the Akro’s middle school failed
though when making sure each student was treated fairly. When the students got to vote for the
dance’s homecoming king and queen the competition turned into a popularity contest (Field
Notebook, April, 14, 2015, p. 29). Popularity in middle school is always about who has the
money, and who is the athletic one. Akro’s should have created a different system in place for
voting for the queen and king of the dance. Due to the popularity contest voting style, one young
man was upset and discouraged when he saw a group of girls not vote for him (Field Notebook,
April 14, 2015, p. 29). When we as educators work with our students we want the students to
strive for greatness and be happy, not upset and discouraged.
Coming to college I came from a township where everyone was very similar. The
population was predominately white and the average income was sixty thousand dollars or more
(City Data, 2009). I had never experienced what it was like to see a community that was in
poverty or be a part of a group that was very diverse. Over the 2015 spring break the University
of Akron provided me with a tremendous opportunity. I was able to travel down to Marion,
South Carolina as part of the serveAkron Alternative Spring Break. In Marion I was able to
participate with eighteen other students and work with Habitat for Humanity and build a home
for a family that was in need. Marion, South Carolina is a town that has an unemployment rate of
twenty-two percent and the average income is roughly twenty four thousand dollars (City Data,

2012). This experience opened up my eyes and made myself aware of the different situations that
exist in our society. I instantly became thankful for he opportunities that are present for me and
especially thankful for the background and area I grew up in.
Diversity plays a huge role in my job as a teacher. Every student that is in my class will
be very unique and different. I will have students of all different races and cultures. I must be
aware that different cultures have different customs and values and be aware of them to be on the
same level as the student. If I have an action that one particular culture is not fawned of that
could upset one of my students. I will also have very tall students and very short students. I must
be aware of this when I am making the seating chart. It would be a huge mistake if I sat the
shortest student directly behind the tallest student. That would not be fair to the student who
might not be able to see the board.
Diversity is something everyone encounters every day. Diversity is something that makes
the United States so great; it is a melting pot of people from all over the world. When a teacher
can take a group of diverse students and create a classroom where everyone is equal, but separate
in their identity he or she is going to be very successful as an educator. I believe that everyday is
one is able to follow the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated, you will have a
group of students in your classroom that is very happy.
The Purpose of Schooling in a Diverse, Democratic Society
The United States is a republic that represents each and every individual voice within the
states. The republics job is to make sure each and every individuals needs are taken care. One of
the essential needs that is given to us is the public education system. The United States education
system is one of the greatest in the world. In the United States, we as a society receive a free
public education between the grades of Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Not many countries

offer an education quite like this. Although we offer such a large population a free education,
nowhere in our republics constitution does it state it is the government’s job to provide public
schooling.
Our public education system’s main objective should be to prepare the students to take on
the “real world” and succeed in all their endeavors. Public educators have an objective to follow.
The standards that are put in place for educators to follow help students reach the next goal in
life whether that be higher education or begin working in the work force. Education is a tool that
cannot be taken away once received; knowledge is power. When the public education system
helps each of their students reach their goals and have each student prepared for the next step in
life, then the public education system and the republic has successfully accomplished all its
goals.
Our role as teachers is to follow the goal of preparing our students to learn about the
content we are teaching but also to prepare them for life. We as educators establish some of the
core values each individual has to be successful in the work force such as hardworking,
discipline, and self-motivated. While observing at Akro’s middle school in Mrs. Wilson’s
classroom, it was obvious that as a teacher she understood that these principles help students
succeed in class now, but will help later in life as well. In front of Mrs. Wilson’s classroom she
has the 7 habits to be successful. They go as follow; be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put
first things first, think win-win, seek first to understood then to be understood, synergize, sharpen
the saw (Field Notebook, April 7, 2015, p. 23). It is evident that Mrs. Wilson cares about the
future of her students and the current state they are in. These seven habits are something I will be
taking with me and expanding on inside my classroom.

When looking at the education system as a democracy there is an order of command that
each individual must follow. Every figure in the education system has an impact on the student.
The teacher has the most impact on the students. The teacher and students interact every single
day throughout the academic year. Although the teacher is very important so is the board of
education. The school board makes executive decisions on the school. The board has the final
say on where the tax paying dollars are being sent. It is the boards overall job to make sure the
correct administration and teachers are in place for each students success. Another important
figure in the education system is the state representatives and governor. The state elected
official’s have a say on the academic standards that are put in place that each student must pass.
The United States is one of the greatest countries in the world due to its free public
education system. The public education system in the United States thrives in helping students
accomplish their dreams. Along with that, the primary goal of the public education system is to
help each student reach the next step in his or her life whether that is higher education or the
work force and be fully prepared for that stage.
Conclusion
As an educator I want students to view school as a safe place where their imaginations
can flourish and their natural curiosity is met with engaging instruction. Everyone thrives to
accomplish great feats in life. When looking at society everyone holds standards that each
individual needs to win at the highest level and hold great positions. When looking at history can
you name the past few golden globe winners or the last few Heisman trophy winners? Maybe
not, but I am sure you can name some of the recent teachers you had, or a teacher you had when
you were just a little kid. The impact that educators have is one that lasts a lifetime. With the use

of professional standards, instructional philosophies, diversities of students and incorporating
democratic schooling principles any educator will be successful in and out of the classroom.

References
City Data. (2009) Jackson Township, Stark County, (Oh) (Data File). Retrieved from
http://www.city-data.com/township/Jackson-Stark-OH.html.
City Data. (2012). Marion, SC (Data File). Retrieved from http://www.city-
data.com/city/Marion-South-Carolina.html.
Codell, E.R. (2009). Educating Esmé: Diary of a teacher’s first year. Chapel Hill, NC:
Algonquin Books.
Freire, Paulo (1973). The Banking Concept of Education. Canestrari & B.A. Marlowe (Eds.),
Educational Foundations: An Anthology of Critical Readings. (p. 103 – 115). Thousand
Oaks, Cal: SAGE Publications.
Lewis, Beth. (n.d.) . Educational Philosophy. Retrieved from
http://k6educators.about.com/od/educationglossary/g/gedphilosophy.htm.
Nieto, Sonia. (2004) Racism, Discrimination, and Expectations of Students’ Achievement. In
Canestrari, Alan Editor & Marlowe, Bruce. Editor (Eds.), Educational Foundations An
Anthology of Critical Readings (41-60). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
Ohio Department of Education. (2007). Standards for Ohio Educators. Retrieved from
http://ode.state.oh.us.

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