My philosophy of education is fairly simple.  I believe that all education should be child centered.  A modern philosophy that holds parallel to my own philosophy of education is Progressivism.  Progressivism is the belief that a child's education should revolve around the student's needs and interests in all areas.  I believe that not only should there be an emphasis on the child's interests, but it is also the teachers responsibility to plan an exciting curriculum that integrates traditional subject matter through the interest of the children.  By centering the curriculum around the students, it places an excitement on learning.  I think the only way a child truly learns is if they have fun and find meaning in what they are doing. I believe it is also very important to take care of all their needs: cognitive, physical, social, and emotional, in order to create the best learning environment.
     I want to create a mentally stimulating learning environment where the students are always ready to learn and excited to talk about their thoughts.  I want to create a place and a feeling where my students can comfortably express their ideas which will in turn, enhance their creative capabilities.  I always have to keep in mind that each child expresses themselves in different ways, whether it is through music, art, dance, speaking, or anything.  I want each one of my students to feel that they are capable of anything.  I want to challenge them, but also teach how mistakes can often lead to understanding and growth.
    I think it is essential to create a collaborative learning atmosphere by encouraging students to come together with their ideas and how to learn from one another.  My classroom will definitely be an environment with group activities, where cooperative and collaborative learning are constantly going on.    I think it is vital to emphasize how important it is to have respect for others, and through working in groups the children will learn how to help others and respect their ideas.  If they are able to respectively discuss their thoughts freely, then they are certain to learn from one another.
    I also think it is crucial to have an explorative learning environment, where the students value learning and have fun learning through discovery.  Learning is active not passive, and children learn best by doing!  Children must have room to move and grove.  I think it is very important to include bodily movement throughout the lessons of the day.  The key to learning is through experience.  I am going to allow my students to discover by hands-on activities.  If they are not able to experience first hand, hopefully a great book can bring them back into the past or into another person’s shoes.  In the process of doing they might experience frustrations, but I will model for my students that learning is rooted in success and failure.  It is imperative to teach the value of a positive attitude, and by possessing a positive attitude, it will bring success and happiness.
    Through active learning a student will realize that change is the only constant.  I think that children need to be prepared for a world of change.  Another modern philosophy that I agree with is Social Reconstructionism.  I believe that students should have the awareness of and involvement in major social issues.  Social Reconstructionists believe that social reform should be the goal of education.  I believe that if teachers teach good problem solving strategies and focus more on an individual's intrinsic qualities, it will in turn, better society.  It is surely a broad statement to say, it will change society if teachers pay more attention to individuals.  I just think if there is not love and passion behind a teacher, then there is not any learning going on.  As a teacher I want to form relationships with my students that are based on knowledge and love.  I feel that it is very important to keep an open mind and always think of myself as a learner, to become a better teacher.