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Gutek, G. L., & Gutek, G. L. (2011). Historical and philosophical foundations of education: a biographical      introduction. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson.

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Erasmus was one of the original Humanists.  He believed that teachers should be knowledgeable, but they should not focus on being overly accurate or perfect.  Knowledge should have a usefulness.  Teachers should also have a knowledge of other subjects (Gutek, 2011, p 102).  I have met several teachers who were focused on small details and overlooked many important elements of their lesson.  I try to get the concepts down first, and then later allow children to fill in the details.  Essentially, every lesson is an experiment in scaffolding.
However, he encouraged children to speak correctly early on. He wanted children to learn Greek and Latin first (Gutek, 2011, p 103). We have many shows that help educate children on vocabulary and pronunciation as well as other languages today. I know elementary school children who are being instructed in other languages. I frequently learn words in other languages and share this with my students to show them how much fun it is and how very different people are when they speak.

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Rousseau is my favorite thinker.  He is one of the first to suggest that education needed to begin in the earliest years and comes from within the student themselves (Gutek, 2011, p 148).  Children are often educated early, in preschool environments, and then they are sometimes taught to read early.  I began teaching my son as an infant to recognize things, and I begin my lessons on the first day of school.
Rousseau also insists on a natural education that follows the stages of development.  As students develop naturally they have certain phases they go through with differing needs.  Today we take classes on this topic, and we are encouraged to focus on what is best for each stage.  Teachers also often allow students to manipulate and experience things through physical activities.  My students are encouraged to read and create things that relate to our topic, as creating is an experience that helps solidify their knowledge.
Rousseau often pictures children with the same innate goodness of other thinkers. He sees them as wanderers that should have an education based on their behaviors (Gutek, 2011, p.150). Many educators provide lessons and instruction based on the likes and dislikes of their students and their learning styles. By doing this, we are tailoring learning to the natural talents of our students. I use an interest inventory to get to know my students and I am always looking for ways to showcase their talents.

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Pestalozzi was an educator who also saw education as a means to better the circumstances of the poor (Gutek, 2011, p 166).  He created schools that took in orphans and gave them a basic education and allowed them to learn basic reading and writing skills.  Teachers often go out of their way for students.  They will provide snacks, tutoring, and resources when they are needed.  I bring snacks to school and offer hot drinks sometimes when it is cold because my students may not have warm coats or a hot meal if they get to school late.
He believed that a natural education was best. It should build moral, intellectual, and physical abilities all at the same time. Education should bring together home, school, and the community. He also believed that reform will result from a peaceful education and it will develop a humanitarian society (Gutek, 2011, p 167). As a teacher, I often use games in my classroom that encourage students to move, interact, and think so that every aspect of education is included into something physical. I have seen multiple gym teachers do this too. Many school systems have begun to reach out to parents via workshops and assemblies in addition to athletic events. I use cheerleading to interact with the community. I have noted that students in our school who participate generally are less likely to cause issues, and more likely to help others. I have also seen many programs devoted to leadership through school and community.

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Thomas Jefferson was a US president who felt strongly about education.  Jefferson wanted to   create locally controlled schools funded by the state.  Their purpose would be to give children the basic skills to read, write, and understand history (Gutek, 2011, p.193).  Today we provide education to students across the US for free, and we have stepped up to go beyond three years and the basics.  I once worked in a school that provided a free computer literacy class to former students because they have become basic skills in the workforce.
He also created a merit scholarship that allowed students who could not afford to attend college to actually continue their education (Gutek, 2011, p 194).  My high school has workshops on just this and we often take students on tours of colleges. I also received scholarships for college.
Jefferson also recognized that people could cultivate virtue and talent regardless of  their birth or property (Gutek, 2011, p194).  Teachers know that students may have qualities that defy their socioeconomic status or other skills.  I have had many students who are aristocratic in manner and intelligence despite their background.  Again, I was not born in what some consider an aristocratic class, but today I have the privilege to educate many students.

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John Stuart Mill was a believer in the natural benevolence of humans and their ability toward ethical behavior when given a proper education (Gutek, 2011, p 300).  Teachers in the contemporary world are convinced of the ability to use education to place our students on a path to success, and we offer various opportunities along the educational track.  My district often has workshops to allow students to apply for college as well as after school activities to keep their minds stimulated.
His views on individual liberty were refreshing, and they echo our thoughts and actions in education today.  Students are interested in doing things that advance them and their welfare is closely related to what is good for the general public.  He also stated we need to  have original thoughts and opinions, which are often competing with one another Gutek, 2011, p 300).  Today teachers strive to provide children with chances to promote their own ideas and creativity through a variety of means.  We also offer students chances to debate and to theorize in our classrooms.  The more a student learns, the more likely they are to become someone who does great things in society. We do a great deal with debates in my classroom as well as idea charts that we use to compare how we think about things.
Something that is so valued by teachers today, critical thinking, was a focus of Mann (Gutek, 2011, p 301). Often we encourage students to analyze things by breaking them down, just as Mann did. We also have students reanalyze and come up with new ideas. In my class we do many things like this. I call them "What-Ifs". We describe what might have happened had another event not occurred.

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Horace Mann's educational philosophies fit into our current practices very well.  We are a society that encourages us to accept everyone, regardless of differences.  We tell our students day in and day that education is so important.  As educators, we know what Mann said was true; education is a way to level the playing field and offer opportunities for everyone to advance (Gutek, 2011, p.240).  Mann also believed that teachers should be knowledgeable in the subjects they teach.  Contemporary society truly believes that teachers should have a great depth of knowledge on their subjects, and teachers are trained extensively in order to provide the best services possible.  We also complete extensive background checks to ensure that our teachers are role models (Gutek, 2011, p.241).  Mann also set the framework for eventually desegregating schools.  Although concerned with socioeconomic segregation, he believed that students should be exposed to a variety of people (Gutek, 2011, p.238).  Today we do not exclude others from education if possible, and we use school to provide students with a safe environment.
My experience with the teacher education program showed me just how prepared we have to be. At several stages we are interviewed and have to pass various tests to show we are capable of providing students with superior education. I have also worked in several inclusion classes and with various SPED students. I can see the trend of more and more inclusion as the time goes by. As for leveling the playing field, I am a reminder every day. I grew up in poverty to a single mom, and today I am a teacher with two degrees. I would say education most certainly leveled the field for me!