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Educators are like shepherds, leading their students in the right direction academically and through life.

I believe that I align most with progressivism, existentialism, and social reconstructivism. All three of these philosophies are student based, and I find that to be the most important aspect of teaching. I like progressivism because it gives the students opportunity to collaborate with others and discuss ideas. It is important to me that students make connections with one another, and that they work together to solve problems. In existentialism, I like how students have choice in learning and learning styles. I do feel that my classroom would be a bit more structured - a mixture of choice and also schedule/structured teaching. I also like social reconstructivism because it teaches the students that they can be the change they wish to see in the world. On the other hand, I do not think that this should be the full focus of the classroom.

Perennialism and Essentialism are both teacher-based philosophies, that my philosophy aligns with less. I like that perennialism focuses on facts and truths, but I do not believe that that should be the only thing taught and discussed in the classroom. Students also need to learn about society today and have more of a focus on who they are and what they are interested in learning about. I also sort of align with essentialism. I think that it is important for students to learn their core subjects and understand them. Where I disagree is when that is the only thing taught. I will not be only teaching my students in a lecture form; I think it is important to have activities and collaboration as well.

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Social Reconstructionism is like volunteering for cleaning up litter. This philosophy focuses on the fact that our students can change the world.

Student-Based

Comparison: I think that this philosophy is similar to mine in the sense that they both focus on the growth of the student. Students believe that they can be the change the world needs. The only way I think this differs from my personal philosophy, is that it is more focused on current news and controversial topics. I believe that this is an important aspect of teaching but should not be the center.

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Essentialism is ants in a formation, being led by the leader ant. This focuses on teaching core subjects like math, english, science, and history. Teaching is in the form of lectures and exams.

Teacher-Based

Comparison: Essentialism and my philosophy are very different. This philosophy focuses on academics and increasing exam scores. Classrooms like these are more traditional, unlike my teaching philosophy. I believe students should have more choice in what they learn, and how they learn it.

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Progressivism is a group of friends in an escape room. Students work together and individually to solve problems. This focuses on the student independently and within groups, giving them opportunities to grow and learn together and separately.

Student-Based

Comparison: I think this philosophy and my philosophy have a lot of similarities. Both focus on the student and their personal growth. Students have choice and room to have their own opinions and experiences. The students interests and group interests are taken seriously, and students feel they can engage with activities they enjoy.

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Existentialism is an open field where students can run free with their ideas; they can be creative and have fun with learning.

Student-Based

Comparison: This philosophy of education is very similar to my personal philosophy. It is student-based and focuses on the individual. The difference between my philosophy and this one, is existentialism is focused on the students being free to learn about what they want. In my educational philosophy, students are a bit more guided - while still letting them have choice and opinion.

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Perennialism is a fenced in yard, where the educator teaches truths and facts. Students can only learn things that the teacher lets into the fence, which are old works and plain truths.

Teacher-Based

Comparison: This philosophy does not align with my personal one. Perennialism is only teaching truths and facts, there is no room for individuality or creativity. It focuses on the academics, and not the students' personal goals or interests. My philosophy is much more student based and focuses on the students themselves.

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As a learner I feel I retain information and learn better from a student-centered teaching philosophy. It really helps me when teachers focus on me as an individual and help me personally. I feel I would succeed the most in an existentialist classroom. After reading the textbook and learning about this philosophy in class, I think I would benefit most from it as a student. I really like this philosophy and think I would be a better learner in a classroom like this. As a future teacher I think that I will want to use a student-centered teaching philosophy. I feel that working around and for my students is what I want most out of teaching in the first place, so a student-centered philosophy is for me. The textbook talks about student centered philosophies and what that means, and I think that I really resonate with the values mentioned.

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Learning Focus and Goals: My goal as a teacher is for students to explore their interests and work with others to problem solve. It is important to me that students learn in a way that works for them, and that they can learn about both the core subjects and about their interests.

Classroom Organization: My classroom will be an open and inviting setting. There will be smaller tables where groups of students will sit during class. This way they can collaborate with others while also having their own space to work. I would also like to have many inspirational/uplifting posters around my room to make students feel more positive about learning.

Student Assessment and Evaluation: In my classroom, I will give out small quizzes. After quiz scores are turned back to the students, we will work through the questions that were missed and work together to understand the concept better. This will be done as a class and individually.

Motivation & Management/Discipline: In my classroom we will do many activities to keep students engaged and having fun. We will also have certain days that - if the class earns it - students can have free time. As for discipline, it will be handled privately with the student and not in front of the rest of the class. If more than one talk needs to be had with a student, parents will be notified.

Classroom Climate: I want my classroom to be a fun, open place where students feel safe and comfortable. I want students to feel they can come to me about concerns or problems - whether they be academic or personal.

Leadership Style: I believe that teachers should be leaders, not dictators. I will lead classroom discussions where students can interact, while also sometimes teaching in a more traditional form with a slideshow. I will let students have freedoms and opinions, while still being the leader of the classroom. I am no better than any of the students, I am just their guide through academics and their current life. I will be there for students to come to whenever they need. I will make sure students have an understanding of what they are learning and making them feel comfortable in the process.