Louise Urban
Philosophy of Education

     From the time I made the decision to become a teacher and still to this day, I’m constantly asked or hear my fellow peers being asked, “Why do you want to become a teacher?”  This question is usually asked with disapproval or with a smirk.  It seems that whenever someone mentions teaching that there is a price tag that manages to dangle into the conversation.  “I hope you are really sure you want to be a teacher because they don’t get paid much!”  Once again the negative view of teaching from outsiders is spoken.  The true meaning behind teaching seems to only be shared by a select few.  I consider myself to be one of those select few.
    Children are miniature adults that just need assistance to make the grand metamorphosis.   Teachers help children learn reading, writing and arithmetic, but even more than that.  These subjects are needed to make it in the world yet the void is not completely filled by this alone.  Teachers help students discover themselves and at the same time become good citizens.  I believe that character education is a vital part of the education process.  Not every student will receive instruction about presenting himself or herself or interacting with other people at home.  I want to be an adult that students can depend on and look up to as a positive example.  All the traits such as honesty, friendliness, respect, etc. that children are expected to put into practice will be demonstrated through my life.  
    Real life is another important aspect that I plan to implement into my teaching.  What other profession allows a person to have so much control and influence on other people’s lives?   In some cases teachers see children more than their parents do!  This is astounding because it puts the teaching profession into a more meaningful light.  I want my students to have fun learning at school because it may be the only place a student feels safe or happy.  Besides who said school had to be awful and unpleasant?!?  When I teach students they will not be exposed to the traditional textbook and worksheet method.  Textbooks are helpful at times but should not be used as the sole teaching tool.  Real life experience can make a world of difference in learning.  For instance, we all can remember words to our favorite song because we find a connection to it and the means in which it is presented to us is creative.  Melody is much more appealing than lecture.  Also, when students get the opportunity to explore and create their own learning, it sticks with them.  In order to make all this possible the teacher must plan more and continue to learn as well.  Multiple intelligences and the needs of the students in the class must be considered before developing a lesson that will be effective.

    “And now abideth faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.”

     My last point is the most important.  A teacher must have a love for learning and others in order to enjoy the profession and make a difference.  I want to be a teacher because I know the power of having a teacher love you.  I know how having someone care about you can impact your outlook on life and your attitude all because of my third grade teacher.  If I can make a difference for someone then it was all worth it and even if I don’t at least it was worth the effort.  What do we have if no one tries?  
    So, when you ask me why I want to become a teacher I will tell you because the greatest is love and I can make a difference.  And who cares if all teachers say that they want to make a difference in their philosophy papers?!  Let it be, because you can never have too many people that care.  Isn’t that what we are trying to teach our future anyway?