Tag: Things Educators Should Know

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4 Things That Educators Should Know About Becoming a Certified Teacher

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The teachers of the twenty-first century have to deal with an explosion of information and technology, changing learning environments, and a high degree of pressure on children to succeed. This has led to an urgent need to revolutionize teacher education. It is no longer sufficient to merely impart knowledge, assign homework, and dispense grades based on tests. The onus lies on teacher education programs to provide multifaceted experiences for prospective teachers. Proper screening, selection, training, and assessment of students in teacher education are imperative, as they are in turn responsible for the education, development, and welfare of the students that they will teach.

Teacher education in America has faced severe criticism in recent times for being too traditional. The efficacy of teacher preparation programs is often a subject of debate. Several “alternate routes” to teacher education have been in the spotlight, but there is no real consensus on the efficacy of such teacher education programs among researchers. The conversation continues, and, if you are called to the profession, you too will be part of this conversation. This article should help you focus your thoughts on the process of becoming a certified teacher, and what the realities of teaching are.

What is the traditional route to becoming a teacher? Each state has its own certification standards and requirements for teacher education programs. Most traditional routes involve a bachelor’s degree, certification, and the completion of Praxis I and II, which test basic reading, writing, mathematical, and pedagogical skills. A license authorizes you to teach, whereas a certification is an indication of what you are qualified to teach. Teachers generally take theoretical and practical courses, as well as focusing on areas of specialty. They also take part in field experience, which is an important part of the teacher education process.

What are the alternative routes to becoming a teacher? Alternate-route programs provide opportunities for individuals who do not have a formal background in education to enter the teaching profession. They were instituted to counter the teacher shortage. Minimum requirements usually include a B-grade college average, and the ability to pass a basic skills test and a test in an area of specialization. The necessary steps to the alternate route to teacher certification vary significantly from state to state. Teach for America is a popular alternative program that places students from elite colleges in schools.

Advantages to alternative routes include the reduction of teacher shortages, similar pay scales for less initial work, and the injection of new ideas into classrooms. However, some educators opposed to alternative routes claim that the teachers are not prepared to teach, and studies indicate that certified teachers produced significantly higher student achievement.

What are some roadblocks to becoming a teacher? A major hurdle on the path to becoming a teacher is the labyrinth of the certification process. For this reason, some researchers advocate easing the requirements for certification. Improvements in working conditions, teacher education, and mentoring may help alleviate the shortage of teachers. A major issue under discussion is teacher compensation. Teachers are not well paid compared to other occupations, which is one reason for teachers leaving the profession, and for job dissatisfaction. Merit-based pay is one option often discussed, though this has drawbacks.

How are teachers in various settings certified? Traditionally, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) have been the two main bodies responsible for the certification of teachers and education schools. They aim to bring accountability to teacher preparation and ensure that graduates of teacher-education programs possess the necessary skills and temperament to enable students to learn. NCATE and TEAC are in the process of merging into a new organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation’s (CAEP).

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5 Things That an Effective Teacher Should Know

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What makes a great teacher? What makes a poor one? How much influence does a teacher really have in forming our strengths, weaknesses, and passions? Think back to your student years. Which teachers stick in your mind, and why?

A few years ago, the British government started a campaign to encourage graduates to enroll in teacher training programs. The campaign’s central concept was to eliminate the prejudice against teaching as an “easy option,” and to present it as it really is: an academic career that is important, inspiring, and should be highly respected. The slogan read, “Those who can, teach. It was simple, it was catchy, and it worked. But what does it actually mean?

The purpose of this article is to look at what that word “can” really means for a good teacher. What abilities does a teacher need to have in order to inspire and educate a classroom of young minds? What does he or she need to know? What does he or she need to be aware of? How might a teacher transmit his or her knowledge to a classroom of individuals? This article outlines the kinds of information a teacher should collect, know, and use about their students and the school system. It discusses the creation of an effective classroom environment, and looks at various methods of classroom management.

What should I know about the school environment? The school environment includes the structure, schedule, space, curriculum, coursework, and the approach to socialization. School environments are highly variable.

Most schools cluster grades into preschool, elementary, middle, and high school. The early childhood environment is holistic, and focuses on providing students with skills such as following directions and sharing. The elementary environment moves from learning the basics of math and reading to applying the lessons learned. The middle school environment involves more electives. In high school, students begin to narrow down career choices.

What types of curricula exist in schools? Curricula range widely from school to school. It is important to be aware of your school’s curriculum. Subject-centered curricula, the most common in American schools, focus on a single area, such as World War II. All students study the same thing. Student-centered curricula allow more freedom for students to explore learning. States have differing amounts of oversight regarding curricula. However, all have established standards or benchmarks that students are expected to reach.

What are the attributes of an effective teacher? Effective teachers generally have some or all of the following attributes: they are enthusiastic; have a positive attitude; are knowledgeable about the subject, curriculum, and pedagogical content; are good group leaders; and are ethical and passionate. Furthermore, teachers should take responsibility for their professional development, and should stay up to date with the latest theories and methods.

How can I create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning? In order to create an optimal classroom environment, it is important to first focus on the physical space. Ensure that desks are placed so all students can see the teacher. Put students with behavior problems or disabilities in the “action zone” (front and center). Create learning centers around the classroom. Next, establish clear ground rules and be consistent in enforcing them. Have a plan for every moment of the day, so there is no time for students to create problems. Demonstrate that you care for the students, and focus on creating a positive classroom atmosphere.

How should I approach classroom management? It is important to first diagnose the causes of misbehavior. Home environments influence students’ behavior in school. Teachers should be sensitive to the home environments students are coming from. The classroom environment can also affect student behavior. Ensure that there is good air circulation, that the temperature is ideal, and that desks and chairs fit the students. A mismatch between student ability and the material being taught can also affect behavior.

Poor teaching habits can also lead to misbehavior. Treat all students with respect. Never raise your voice or speak in a disparaging manner. Leave your personal problems at home.

Physical and psychological factors such as ADHD or substance abuse can also affect student behavior, and teachers should make an effort to be aware of these.

There are various approaches to classroom management. These include various approaches to promoting self-discipline, which focus on helping students control and modify their own behavior, and the desist approach, in which teachers use various tools, such as positive and negative reinforcement, to promote good behavior.

In order to motivate students, it is important to increase student participation, allow and encourage students to work on topics that they are interested in, and create a flexible environment in the classroom.

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4 Things That You Should Know About Becoming a Teacher

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Congratulations on having taken the first step toward becoming a teacher. As you will learn, a career in teaching has its challenges, but it is also extremely rewarding. Teachers are called to the profession in a variety of ways, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you chose to become a teacher because of positive childhood experiences with a teacher. Perhaps a family member in the teaching profession encouraged your decision. Perhaps you have a deep-seated desire to work with young people and be a force for positive change in society. Whatever the reason for your calling, we hope to provide you with a deep understanding of your career choice and all that it has to offer.

Teaching does not occur in a vacuum. In fact, changes in the teaching profession move in tandem with changes in the United States and in the world. Teachers adapt to social demands as they teach the content and skills children and youth need in order to navigate a rapidly changing world. In addition to teaching traditional subjects such as mathematics, science, and social studies, some educators teach subjects that were very rare in schools only a few decades ago.

Contemporary teachers must be able to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Teachers today must incorporate teaching methodology that is respectful of the ethnic, racial, and social class differences in their students. Teachers who excel in communities with a high percentage of minority students use teaching strategies that incorporate the background and experiences of these students into the learning process. Historically, public schools have been one of the major vehicles through which equal rights for all individuals have been promoted. Teaching in the United States will increasingly address the learning needs of diverse groups of students.

Despite these changes, many aspects of schools and schooling have remained constant for decades. For example, in most schools, core classes are still important components of every student’s studies during the school day. Means for determining how much students are learning is an additional mainstay in schools. In an effort to uphold the quality and effectiveness of teaching, standardized testing is increasingly used as a tool to determine not only what students know and are able to do, but also to ensure that teachers and administrators have the necessary skills and knowledge. However, as we will see, the new emphasis on standardized testing has come under fire from critics who believe it can be a hindrance to good teaching.

As you can see from the issues briefly presented above, teaching is a complex profession that adapts in order to meet the needs of children, as well as the expectations of the general public for high-quality teachers able to provide society with educated citizens. The goal of this article is to present an overall understanding of the teaching profession, and what it means to have a career as an educator in the United States. It should give you a sense of the realities of the profession, and let you know whether your calling to be a teacher is genuine.

Why become a teacher? People become teachers for many different reasons. A desire to work with young people is perhaps the most common reason people choose to enter the profession. A special interest in a certain subject area can lead someone to want to impart that knowledge.

Some people become teachers because of the high job security educators enjoy.

The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) has developed a useful set of standards that describe the dispositions necessary to be a successful teacher. An understanding of these dispositions, along with commitments to being a lifelong learner, using the curriculum responsibly, meeting the needs of learners, and contributing to the profession as a whole, can be helpful in deciding whether you are called to teach, and in guiding you along the way.

Is teaching a profession? Teachers are accredited, have induction and mentoring programs, opportunities for professional development, are specialized, enjoy opportunities for advancement, are well-compensated, and enjoy social prestige. Thus, teaching satisfies the requirements for being a profession.

Teachers may specialize in a number of areas: by age (pre-K, elementary school, middle school, high school); or by subject area. They may teach art, music, physical education, or special education, or teach English language learners. There are many alternative opportunities for teaching, including in private schools.

Teachers’ salaries are lower than those of other professionals, but the benefits and incentives are often excellent. The issue of merit pay is often debated: should teachers be compensated according to the perceived quality of their work? Job security for teachers is at present excellent.

What are the challenges of teaching? Teaching can be a stressful job, both physically and emotionally. Teachers shoulder the responsibility for the wellbeing of their students, which can be challenging. Teaching is hard work: they work one hour outside of class for every two hours of teaching. Keeping up with the latest technology can also be challenging for some teachers. Teachers tend to be highly mobile, moving from school to school and from position to position within a school. Teacher attrition is a problem, and adequate professional development is needed at each stage of a teacher’s career to overcome this. The day-to-day responsibilities can be heavy, and society has high expectations of teachers.

What are the rewards of teaching? Many teachers love working with young people, and have a sense of accomplishment from helping students grow. They take pride in knowing that they are essential to the wellbeing of the society as a whole. They enjoy immense prestige in the eyes of the community. Many teachers simply enjoy imparting knowledge: the process of teaching is fun. Teachers also enjoy some of the highest job security of any profession, particularly at present, as the “baby boom echo” affects the population.

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7 Things That Educators Should Know About Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment refers to judging a student’s rate of academic achievement by analyzing the available evidence, such as quizzes, tests or written tasks. Assessments take different forms, and each one of them is created for a particular reason. Teachers’ practice formative assessment by observing their student’s progress in class and checking for understanding, and summative assessment by testing students at the end of a lesson or unit to see whether they mastered the materials or skills that were taught. Regardless of the form, effective assessments provide the feedback and motivation that students need to excel. In this article, we will discuss all of the things that educators should know about assessment and evaluation.

What does assessment look like during a typical lesson? Teachers assume different roles during a lesson; these will vary according to the focus of the lesson, the activity, the ages of the students, and the size of the class. Instructors can act as planners, when programming the aim of the lesson; as informers, when giving feedback or explaining a topic; or as monitors, when checking whether students are keeping up. When learners are engaged in an activity, teachers become monitors, checking for understanding and learning. After the lesson, teachers also assess how successful the plan was or which students had problems.

What is data-driven assessment? A major part of a teacher’s time is devoted to planning and preparing lessons. As a result, the creation of effective assessment processes is often neglected or overlooked. It is crucial to take into account that assessments carry the same weight as planning; in fact, they become an essential part of building any learning program. Teachers can use the information and scores from formative and summative assessments to plan effective lessons that ensure that all students are learning at an optimal level. This approach is known as data-driven instruction.

When should you use assessments? Assessments should can be done at the beginning of, during, and at the end of instruction. When done at the beginning of instruction, teachers can use assessments to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the group, and address them appropriately. When practiced during instruction, teachers can check for student understanding and progress. When done at the end of instruction, assessment is highly effective as a measuring tool, as it assists teachers in the process of self-reflection: teachers get to revise different aspects of their own practice and reflect on the effectiveness of the lesson or unit. Also, they learn whether or not students mastered the objectives that were taught. The primary goal of assessment is to better understand the learning process of our students so that we may better educate them.

What purposes do assessments serve? The main purpose of assessments is to gather relevant information about student progress, or to determine student interests. Standardized assessments can indicate a student’s level of performance, in order, for example, to know which level of a language class he or she should enter. Progress monitoring can show how well students are learning. Diagnostic tests are useful in pinpointing areas where a student may have trouble learning. Evaluation tests allow a teacher to measure student achievement following a period of input.

What types of assessment exist? Standardized assessments are highly consistent. They are taken by a large quantity of learners under the same conditions. The No Child Left Behind Act has dramatically increased standardized assessments, but has come under fire for stifling creativity and fostering an environment that focuses on testing. High-stakes tests have a defined outcome: for example, a passing mark allows a student to graduate from a school. The tests have demonstrated issues with unreliability, and increase teacher stress.

Alternatives to high-stakes tests focus on “authentic assessments,” looking at how children respond to real-world scenarios. Benjamin Bloom’s notion of higher order thinking skills — analysis, synthesis, and evaluation — may be useful in creating functional assessments.

All teachers will be involved in classroom assessments. A system such as letter grades or rubrics will be employed. Formative assessment includes observing, questioning, and checking for understanding while presenting material. Summative assessment, on the other hand, takes place after the material has been presented, and evaluates how well students have learned the material. Options for testing include alternate choice, multiple choice, matching, completion tests, essays, and critical-thinking tests such as oral reports. Teachers should be aware of the variety of testing methods at their disposal, and should be creative in employing these.

How does grading work? Grades should represent the extent to which the learner has met the defined standard. They should provide feedback, help students evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and communicate student achievement to others. You need to be aware of grading structures and policies, and know when to use “norm-referenced” and “criterion-referenced” grading models. You will also need to decide how factors such as effort and motivation are included in grading. Ideally, learning goals will be defined in advance, so that grades reflect the levels of achievement that were decided upon at the beginning of the year.

How can teachers provide quality feedback to students? We make a distinction between two types of assessment: performance feedback and corrective feedback. Performance feedback is concerned with the information that students receive after completing an assignment; correction feedback usually occurs during the process of completing the assignment. It is important to find a balance between praise and corrective feedback. Different students may require different levels of praise or correction. Feedback should be explicit and focused, and encourage the student to find and correct the mistake him or herself.

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4 Things That Educators Should Know About Preparing For Their First Year of Teaching

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By this time, you have accepted your calling to teach and have identified the dispositions to become an excellent teacher. However, in order to maximize the effectiveness of a learning environment, a teacher must have the proper knowledge and experience. Experience is the key to optimizing a teacher’s skills, the classroom environment, and student potential. But how do we gain the experience that we need to be effective?  Gaining practical teaching experience is a process. Prior to any classroom experience, teachers must first learn the components and development of lesson plans, how to use various teaching methods, how to adapt lesson plans to a school’s curriculum, and how to apply these skills to the classroom environment.

After learning the basics, teachers will gain experience by participating in observations, practicums (field experiences), and student teaching. Teachers will use these experiences to develop their own personal teaching portfolios. After receiving a certificate and/or license, teachers must secure a teaching position, and create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.

This article is the practical, “how-to,” culmination of the series. It will discuss all the components of preparing for that first day of teaching, and how to succeed in your first year. Your immediate needs and interests as a pre-service teachers are examined in detail as are the situations you can expect to encounter in the near-future as you progress through the preparation for and attainment of your professional career.

How do I enroll in a college of education? InTASC’s dispositions can assist you in deciding whether you are truly called to teach. Admission to many colleges of education are granted when students meet the college’s education program requirements. Most teacher education programs require that you pass the Praxis I Skills Test or its equivalent before you are formally admitted.

At this point, you must select elementary or secondary education as your major, and choose your subject area as well. In order to earn a degree and receive licensure in a subject area, you must usually pass another test, such as the Praxis II or its equivalent. These are more focused instruments that specifically test your subject area knowledge. Passing this test will allow you to become certified to teach.

What is involved in field experiences? As part of your teacher preparation program, you will have to participate in field experience. Field experiences will likely include observation, distance learning, and student teaching, often under the eye of a coordinating/mentor teacher in collaboration with your college supervisor. Field experiences provide first hand exposure to as well as understanding of the importance of learner development, learning environments, content knowledge and its application in innovative ways, student assessment, planning and strategies for instruction, and adequate reflection and collaboration.

How can I secure a teaching position? When looking for a teaching position, it is important to first know what and where you want to teach. Contact your career services officer and create a placement file, then start contacting districts. Develop a concise resume, a portfolio, and secure references and reference letters. During the application process, you will have to submit a credentials file, including your resume and cover letter, your letters of recommendation and references, your transcripts and test scores, and your portfolio. Make sure you are adequately prepared for the interview. You should be well-groomed, smartly dressed, and confident. Prepare by doing research about the position, the school and district, and suggestions on responding to sample questions.

How can I succeed in my first year of teaching? Mentor teachers can be very useful in guiding a new teacher, not only in the issues teachers face in the classroom, but in day-to-day minutiae such as finding equipment. During your first year, you will have to undergo a number of evaluations. View these as opportunities to learn and increase your skills. Clinical supervision includes the supervisor’s meeting with you, classroom observation, analysis of the observation, and a post-observation meeting with the supervisor.

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5 Things That Educators Should Know About EdTech

The Information Era began some decades ago and is now changing the way we educate our children. The children of today are growing up in a world very different from the world in which their parents did. Communication has changed, and an enormous variety of information is now accessible to almost everybody at the click of a mouse or swipe of a finger. Old-fashioned classrooms equipped only with books and chalkboards are long gone. New teaching techniques such as Internet research, experience-based education, virtual learning, and online live assessments are being introduced to meet educational needs in the Information Era.

As we examine this sea of change in the way information is delivered, we’ll also take a look at the impact of these changes on veteran teachers. Other problematic factors include teachers with years of experience in the classic method of teaching; teachers who are not familiar with technology resources; and students and schools that don’t have access to technology hardware, software, or connectivity to the Internet. In this article, we will discuss the 5 things you should know about Edtech.

What should every educator know about technology? We are living in the midst of a tremendous upheaval in the fields of technology and communication. Advances in technology have influenced every aspect of modern life, and are having an enormous impact on education. Technology can promote student engagement, immerse students in real-world issues, enhance discussions and workshops, and facilitate formative assessment.

Students today are often “digital natives” who are very familiar with technology. However, there is a profound “digital divide” between students who have access to technology and students, mostly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who don’t have the same amount of access.

The new technological advances can be helpful, but there are some associated problems. Students may spend too much time using their devices, the Internet includes information that may be harmful as well as helpful, and teachers may become overly focused on technology to the detriment of information transfer.

What resources can a teacher use to introduce technology into the classroom? The Internet offers a vast array of resources and access to information, but students should be tutored in proper research techniques to weed out unreliable sources.

Tools such as spreadsheets, word-processing programs, and desktop publishing are highly useful and should be incorporated into classrooms. For subjects such as mathematics, foreign language acquisition, social studies, and science, technology allows students to immerse themselves in the subject and access material not otherwise available.

Other technological tools can benefit teachers. These include software for time management, grade book programs, and test-generating software. Multimedia tools can be used in the classroom to impart information and keep interest levels high. For students with disabilities, technology offers a range of tools than can, for example, create Braille texts or assist with typing.

How has technology changed instructional practices? Social networking sites such as Facebook have allowed teachers to create groups to build communities and hold discussions. However, teachers must be aware of their “public” profile, and personal information that can be accessed online. Other opportunities for social interaction online include e-portfolio or assessment tools, which allow students to store their work in web-based portfolios, so teachers and students can have access to it. Technology is also influencing the professional development of educators, as online courses are becoming more prevalent.

What are the barriers to implementing technology into your classroom? Though the digital divide has been closing, a number of factors inhibit the implementation of technology in some schools. These include lack of funds, lack of training, slower access to the Internet, and lack of access to technology at home.

What does the future hold for technology in schools? Holography, or 3D imaging, will become a useful tool in some science classes. Virtual 3D immersion will allow students to “travel” to distant places. Bring Your Own Device initiatives are allowing students to bring devices into schools, and work with them to make use of the devices in the classroom. Natural User Interfaces such as Kinect allow physical movement to control devices, which is particularly useful for students with disabilities. Personal Learning Environments are mobile and often cloud-based, allowing students to learn wherever they are. Finally, the backpack filled with heavy books will probably be a thing of the past as texts move to tablets or e-readers that students can carry in their pockets.

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5 Things That Educators Should Know About the Philosophy of Education

The word philosophy is derived from two Greek words. The first word, philo, means “love.” The second, sophy, means “wisdom.” Literally, then, philosophy means “love of wisdom” (Power, 1982).  Each individual has an attitude toward life, children, politics, learning, and previous personal experiences that informs and shapes their set of beliefs. Although you may not be conscious of it, this set of beliefs, or personal philosophy, informs how you live, work, and interact with others. What you believe is directly reflected in both your teaching and learning processes. This article explores the various philosophical views influence the teaching profession.

It is important to understand how philosophy and education are interrelated. In order to become the most effective teacher you can be, you must understand your own beliefs, while at the same time empathizing with others. In this chapter we will examine the study of philosophy, the major branches of philosophy, and the major philosophical schools of thought in education. You will have a chance to examine how these schools of thought can help you define your personal educational philosophy. Developing your own educational philosophy is a key part of your journey to becoming a teacher. In this article, we will discuss the 5 things that educators should know about the philosophy of education.

What are the major branches of philosophy? The four main branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic. Metaphysics considers questions about the physical universe and the nature of ultimate reality. Epistemology examines how people come to learn what they know. Axiology is the study of fundamental principles or values. Logic pursues the organization of the reasoning process. Logic can be divided into two main components: deductive reasoning, which takes general principles and relates them to a specific case; and inductive reasoning, which builds up an argument based on specific examples.

What are the major schools of thought in philosophy? Idealism can be divided into three categories: classical, religious, and modern. Classical idealism, the philosophy of the Greeks Socrates and Plato, searches for an absolute truth. Religious idealism tries to reconcile God and humanity. Modern idealism, stemming from the ideas of Descartes, links perception and existence.

Realism, the school of thought founded by Aristotle, believes that the world of matter is separate from human perceptions. Modern realist thought has led to the “blank slate” notion of human capabilities. Pragmatism believes that we should select the ideas, actions, and consequences with the most desirable outcome, as well as learning from previous experiences to achieve desirable consequences. John Dewey’s Experimentalism brought the scientific method of inductive reasoning to the educational sphere.

Postmodernism and existentialism focus on intricate readings of texts and social and political conventions, examining existing structures for flaws. Essentially, they focus heavily on the present, and on understanding life as we know it. Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction methods of reading texts suggests that universal rationality is not found in objective reality, but in the text. Michel Foucault, another postmodern philosopher, examined the relationship between truth and power.

What are the major philosophies of education? The major philosophies of education can be broken down into three main types: teacher-centered philosophies, student-centered philosophies, and society-centered philosophies. These include Essentialism, Perennialism, Progressivism, Social Reconstructionism, Existentialism, Behaviorism, Constructivism, Conservatism, and Humanism.

Essentialism and Perennialism are the two types of teacher-centered philosophies of education. Essentialism is currently the leading style of public education in the United States. It is the teaching of basic skills that have been proven over time to be needed in society. Perennialism focuses on the teaching of great works.

There are three types of student-centered philosophies of education. Progressivism focuses on developing the student’s moral compass. Humanism is about fostering each student to his or her fullest potential. Constructivism focuses on using education to shape a student’s world view.

There are two types of socially-centered philosophies of education. Reconstructionism is the perspective that education is the means to solve social problems. Behaviorism focuses on cultivating behaviors that are beneficial to society.

What additional ideologies of educational philosophy exist? Other notable ideologies of educational philosophy include Nationalism, American Exceptionalism, Ethno-nationalism, Liberalism, Conservatism, and Marxism. Nationalism is a national spirit, or love of country, that ties the interests of a nation to the symbols that represent it. American Exceptionalism is a form of Nationalism that implies that the United States is a special country that is privileged to have a manifest destiny. Ethno-nationalism is similar to nationalism, but rather than the loyalty lying with one’s nation, it lies with one’s ethnic or racial group. Liberalism is the ideology that people should enjoy the greatest possible individual freedoms and that it should be guaranteed by due process of law. The opposite of liberalism is conservatism. Conservatism is the belief that institutions should function according to their intended original purpose and any concepts that have not been maintained should be restored. Finally, Marxism is an ideological and political movement that focuses on the class system as a form of conflict within the social, political, and educational realms.

How is an educator’s educational philosophy determined? It is important to identify your own philosophy of education in order to understand your own system of values and beliefs so that you are easily able to describe your teaching style to potential employers.

While writing your own personal philosophy of education statement, it is vital to address several key components: How do I think? What is the purpose of education? What is the role of the teacher? How should the teacher teach? What is the role of the student? What should be taught? Additionally, make sure that you be yourself and are clear and concise. Do some research about the school you are applying for and address their missions and goals in your statement. Remember that education is about the students and also remember to focus on your discipline. Think of the great teachers you have had in your life. Remember to get feedback. Additionally, don’t make it long and don’t ramble. Don’t rehash your resume, be a know-it-all, or use strong statements.

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