"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
William Butler Yeats
MY EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
I believe students are the force that drives education. Students deserve the best education possible that prepares them to succeed in today's world. As an educator, I believe that my job is to facilitate the learning of content and skills that are necessary for the acquirement of diverse educational pursuits, jobs, and other opportunities. I also believe that it is my duty to teach students to be civil, to be good citizens, to be responsible, to know their rights, to be independent, to show human decency, and to self-advocate. I believe that students should be taught to be effective communicators, to stand up for themselves, and to use their voice, value their voice, and to understand the might and power their voice can have.
I believe that learning opportunities are endless and that all educational moments should be seized and used to benefit learners. That learning happens when relationships are built and fostered with individual students. That learning does not end when students step out of the classroom. Communication and collaboration with parents and guardians are essential to promote healthy, long-term educational practices. Students should learn to collaborate with others to take advantage of the knowledge and skills other minds may offer. I believe that young minds should be taught how much they matter and that even their unique perceptions and opinions are valuable and should be heard. I also believe that students should be taught to respect other points of view that differ from their own to find commonalities that can benefit all.
I believe that schools should be centers for learning for all adults and children. Schools should foster a love for learning that will stay with students long after they move on to the next step of their development. That all learners can take ownership of their actions and their learning. Students should learn to use technology to further their technical skills and prospects. Lastly, I believe that schools should be centers where students learn to be a part of a community and, as such, are taught to socialize, contribute, and participate appropriately in their community. Teachers should have high standards for all students, and that those standards should be expected and not intimidating.
MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
I believe leaders must be able to collaborate to inspire others to work toward reaching common goals based on a vision that all stakeholders believe in and feel inspired by. I believe school leaders should empower teachers to participate in leadership roles, to support and mentor colleagues, and to be a safe haven for all students. School leaders should work with their learning community to identify educational goals and the support teachers need to work toward achieving those goals. I believe school leaders should provide teachers with the necessary resources to succeed, including appropriate professional development. That school leaders should be present and visible to all teachers and students. I believe that school leaders should identify the type of leadership teachers need and adapt their leadership style to serve the needs of different teachers. I believe all school leaders should be excellent communicators, just, fair, transparent, and accept and embrace their weaknesses to learn and grow. I believe true leaders hold themselves to the same standards they ask of others, and encourage others to grow, succeed, and lead.
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Lao Tzu