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Philosophy of Education
by Nancy Kotowski, PhD. |
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Education
is a life-long journey. A child is born with great curiosity and
excitement to learn about oneself and to explore the world. Parents
are a child’s first teachers. In the family a child begins
discovering the joy of learning and discovering his/her tremendous
capability as a person and a member of society.
When a child enters school, the educational journey becomes a
partnership of shared responsibility. The educational mission is a
sacred trust in which teachers, parents, and the community encircles
each student with the nurturing, guidance, challenge, opportunities,
and resources needed to gradually assume ever-growing self-reliance
and responsibility. The learning community is founded on open
communication and mutual trust with roles and responsibilities
understood, accepted, and respected. The nature of the partnership
is critical for the child. The members of the learning community are
always building upon each other’s strengths and finding ways for
everyone to make contributions that are valued and recognized. Every
child must know that he/she is an important member of the learning
community and feel a strong sense of belonging.
The journey of a life-long learner is challenging and exciting.
Along with the joy of success comes mistakes and stumbling along the
way. What is important is that all experiences are responded to as
learning opportunities from which good emerges. A sense of humor, a
smile, and encouragement are often just what is needed as a person
reflects on mistakes, gains new insights, and looks to the future.
When motivation and discipline problems arise, it is important to
listen carefully to the child. The focus is on getting to the root
of the problem with the child and working on it together until it is
resolved. In the process of helping a child resolve difficulties
that arise, relationships are strengthened and understandings
deepened about being a member of the community.
As milestones are reached, success is recognized and celebrated. New
horizons unfold that call for increasing self-reliance. In closing,
my philosophy of education is well captured by John F. Kennedy,
“Children are the world’s greatest resource and its best hope for
the future.” |
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