In order to complete my admission requierements for the Framingham Education Program I needed: Two letters of recommendations, from preivous work and co-worker, A 500 word essay on My Philosophy of Education, my Uf transcripts, fill out the application form, and a copy of my resume.
I want to share a letter of recommendation written by Alejandra Bolaños, thanks Alejandra for writing such beautifulk things about me.
And I also want to share my Essay on My Philosophy of Education.
Philosophy of Education
Many things in life have shaped what today is my philosophy of education. One of the first things that shaped my philosophy of education has been my experience as a computer teacher for grades Kindergarten to 6th. Second, observing my own children as they grow and watching their differences in their personality and learning styles, have also helped shape my philosophy of education. Finally, having taken a Behavior and Classroom Management Course last semester ended up with completing the shaping of my philosophy of education.
My first real job and first teaching experience was as a computer teacher. And although my Bachelor’s degree had been in Business Administration with a major in Decision Information Science, I just knew I always wanted to become a teacher. Luckily, I was given the opportunity at a local school in Nicaragua to be their computer teacher for grades Kindergarten to 6th grade. I noticed, especially with the little ones that they had different levels of knowledge. As an inexperienced teacher, out of completely common sense, during one assignment, I decided to aid those students; for example, who didn’t know how to spell their names by handing out their names written down on a piece of paper, so they could use the keyboard to type their names on the computer. This way all students were able to successfully complete the assignment. I was able to differentiate here that my goal was to familiarize students with the keyboard and not to find out or know whether they knew how to spell their names o not. At that time I didn’t have a name for what I had done, but it was then my philosophy of education to help those students who were a little behind to complete and reach the goal of the assignment.
Furthermore, another thing that has helped shape my philosophy of education has been having two daughters with completely different learning abilities and styles. My oldest daughter easily learned anything that was taught to her. My second daughter, who was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, has learning disabilities and was diagnosed with ADHD. It was much more difficult for my youngest daughter to learn. This experience has made me aware of two things: First of all that all children are capable of learning; yet, some may need more effort, help, and diverse adaptations in the classroom or at home. And second of all, I learned that having learning disabilities has nothing to do with the intelligence and capability of a child. It was then, my philosophy of education to maintain high expectations of all students regardless of their learning abilities in addition to providing adaptations or additional help to those students who may require them.
In addition, after taking a course in Behavior and Classroom Management, and having such a great teacher as an example, I was able to learn about Differentiated Instruction. As a result, everything I had been doing out of common sense in the classroom and with my daughters at home was finally given a name. Dr. Charles Robinson believes that Differentiated Instruction is the answer to an effective classroom management.
Finally, my philosophy of education has been shaped into the following: I believe that teachers, school and its curriculum should be flexible enough to allow adaptations so that all students can learn. I believe a teacher should always hold high expectations because all students are capable of learning. I believe a teacher must care deeply about their students, visualizing each student as a unique, whole individual that takes into consideration the student’s academic development, as well as the student’s personal and emotional growth and development.
