Philosophy of Education
By: Cammie Mitchell


    “To teach is to touch a life forever.”  These words are so very powerful, as I make myself think about their actual meaning.  Somewhere out there, a teacher has made a difference in your life, therefore it is my desire to apply myself to help others learn and be challenged.  I, myself, believe in my heart that these words speak the truth.  They possess such a deep meaning and purpose.  This purpose is the foundation on which I build my desire to teach.  Teaching requires so much from an individual being, for example it requires a person to express love and concern for their fellow beings.  It also requires someone to give of them self in order to help others.  This is my absolute desire.  It is my goal in life to help a child reach for their highest goal, so that they can become a successful person.  
    I feel that my entire educational philosophy can be described and summarized within the above stated quote.  It is my desire to make a difference in the life of a child; this is my only longing.  I want to help children learn to their fullest possible potential so that they may one day not only be a successful student but will also grow to become a successful adult.  
    I realize that it is not my job to be a friend to all of my students; however, I want to be a friend and confidant to those who enter the door of my classroom each and every single day.  I want them to feel as if they can come to me for anything, for example with a homework problem, a problem with school, or even a problem with a family member at home.  I want to provide love and support to my students so that they may feel encouraged.
    I also want to provide a safe haven for children to learn in.  Many children find that school is an escape from a terrible home situation and others find that school is just a fun place to be that occupies their time for a few hours a day.  I want all of my students to feel that my classroom is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to be.  I plan to establish this type of environment through my actions, attitude, guidance, discipline, and structure.  Each individual idea listed here is vital to a child’s everyday life.  Children need instruction, direction, and stability.  The classroom environment will be a place in which my students feel protected and at ease, supported, and respected nonetheless.  With such a positive environment, students are able to gain a better academic knowledge.  As an educator, it is my job to provide my students with opportunities to grow and develop as their own individual.  I want to help them to learn and to have a great deal of pride in themselves and in what they accomplish.  
    Teaching never ends, for you are always teaching whether you know it or not.  It is my desire as a teacher to always keep learning, for learning never ends.  Not only will I, myself, benefit from learning, but my students will also benefit.  I face each day eager to learn new things.  It is my desire to share what I know with others; therefore it is my job to TEACH.