Katie Neely
Philosophy Paper-Rough copy
October 14, 2002

*I didn’t really know how to pull all of my thoughts together in one big “teaching philosophy” paper.  I feel so strongly about so many issues concerning my teaching style and education, but I feel that I am still trying to determine how to transfer those thoughts.  Through myself as a continuing learner, and in my direct work with kids in the schools, I hope to better my understanding of how I stand on these issues.  I know that this is a rough copy, so I tried to organize my ideas in these simple paragraphs.  I realize that they do not flow well, but hopefully I will have evolved thoughts that I may add later.
 
1st thought:
A child’s mind is so easily influenced.  If their mind is given an immoral and close-minded example to follow and learn from, then those characteristics are transferred onto their mindsets.  I want to be a positive influence in a child’s life.  I want to empower them with the knowledge and values to carry them onto greatness.

2nd thought:
I believe in the child as a whole.  I want to accommodate to all aspects of the child because you have to take into consideration that in some cases you may be the only love that he/she receives in the day.
 
 3rd thought:
I want to create a hunger and excitement for learning.  I want to create an environment of mutual respect and acceptance within the classroom.

4th thought:
Children are individuals.  Education should be child centered.  Each child’s differences should be accounted for in successful education. Each child has a different set of strengths and weaknesses and come from different environments. For each child, I want to see them individually for who they are and not what they are.  I want to guide them toward their individual growth and success in life.

5th thought:
I want to address all issues and values of life that are usually left untouched and unspoken. I want my students to think critically of the world, no matter what age they are.  I want to empower them with the knowledge and values to carry them into greatness.