1. Morris November 1, 2011
Philosophy of Education
Brennan A. Morris
Western New Mexico University
Gallup Graduate Studies

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PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Educating young minds to change the world offers a unique experience because
challenging and motivating young minds creates a sense of imagination and creativity. What an
awesome responsibility for an educator! Relationship building, mutual respect,relevance and
rigor not only give the educator an opportunity to challenge their essential questions, but it also
gives the students the right tools to change the world around them. Providing, demonstrating and
modeling the tools required is quite necessary for students to succeed.
A strong student – teacher relationship provides the right atmosphere in the classroom.
When teachers take a small interest in the teenager world, the barrier between the teacher and
student is not as demanding. Simple recognitions of NFL jerseys to skateboard shoes, favorite TV
shows and movies offer an inside trek into the world of a teenager. Secondary students are
beginning to establish themselves as active members in society, so why not begin teaching them
the responsibility and recognition they will need to be an effective member of society. Taking
notice will only give the teacher an opportunity to connect material and create a positive dialogue
between the students and the teacher.
Mutual respect must be a part of every classroom. Discipline and good classroom
management hang on the respect between the teacher and student. When discipline occurs in the
classroom, the consequence for the inappropriate behavior needs to be dealt with and then
forgotten. Some educators today tend to carry a grudge and label a student for the rest of his or
her life. A student cannot expect to keep paying for his or her mistake day after day. Students
need to understand that the teacher still has respect for them and still has an interest in their
learning. A teacher should never carry the consequence outside the classroom. Respect,
classroom management and learning go hand and hand.

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Connection of the material to what is relevant in the teenager provides a world of open
doors for the curriculum. Giving purpose to the curriculum allows retention of the material, which
is the key to teaching the curriculum. Granted, connecting the material does require some after
school homework on the teacher’s part; however,the benefits create a solid foundation to build
upon. In addition to the retention of the material, going out and actively finding the connection
demonstrates a respect for the teenage culture. Along with making the curriculum relevant, the
teacher must make it engaging and somewhat fun. Why do people attend Disneyland? They
attend Disneyland because it’s “the happiest place on earth.” Teachers need to create that
environment in the classroom and through the curriculum. They need to be excited about what
they are teaching and why they are teaching it. If the teacher is excited, the student will be
motivated to learn. Relevance and enthusiasm are necessary for curriculum to make an impact on
the student.
With a positive atmosphere in the classroom, a teacher can change,challenge and
motivate minds, which in return will change, challenge and motivate the future. It’s a big
responsibility for a teacher to fill; but if he or she loves what they do, nothing is too steep.
Relationship, respect and relevance provide a rigorous classroom. Throwing a little of the
“Disney” factor into the mix, there is nothing a teacher can’t accomplish with the students. What
would the world be like if every teacher took time to investigate their students and learn what
makes them tick? What would our classrooms look like if teachers showed true enthusiasm for
their craft? What would our graduates look like if teachers instilled the desire and motivation to
change the future of the world? The dream starts with one and builds to another. What a career!
What an opportunity!