My Educational Philosophy
Nelson Mandela is recognized as one of the most influential people of the 20th Century. He dedicated
his
life
to
advocating for human rights and making
the
world
a
better
place.
His
quote:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
contains
a
moral
that
I
completely
agree
with.
What I think Mandela mean t by this quote is that the purpose of gaining an education is not just to learn new information; but even more important is what one chooses to do with that knowledge. This quote reminds me that it’s my obligation to take what I learn and use it to make a positive effect on my community.
I have been involved in public education for more than a decade. I began my journey working with teens as an Americorps volunteer in 2001; little did I realize the huge influence this experience would have on me! My first year assignment was simple; create a conflict resolution program for middle and high school students during the school day then after school, provide opportunities for them to access fun, stimulating learning activities designed to keep them out of trouble.
In the first year, the program started with just a small group of students but quickly gained momentum and I started noticing positive changes in some of the most challenging students. With such encouraging results, I decided to commit to a second term. Not only that, I began to genuinely enjoy working with students and seeing them improve academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. It was at this time, that I decided I wanted to pursue a career that helped students and families lead successful lives and have been working on behalf of youth and families ever since.
Like Mandela, I am a first generation college graduate and have seen the positive impact that education has played not only on my life but the lives of those around me. My goals since I started in the field of education have evolved and I believe that teaching students with special needs will allow me to make lasting changes in the lives of youth and families and to ensure that all students have the tools to change their world.
What I think Mandela mean t by this quote is that the purpose of gaining an education is not just to learn new information; but even more important is what one chooses to do with that knowledge. This quote reminds me that it’s my obligation to take what I learn and use it to make a positive effect on my community.
I have been involved in public education for more than a decade. I began my journey working with teens as an Americorps volunteer in 2001; little did I realize the huge influence this experience would have on me! My first year assignment was simple; create a conflict resolution program for middle and high school students during the school day then after school, provide opportunities for them to access fun, stimulating learning activities designed to keep them out of trouble.
In the first year, the program started with just a small group of students but quickly gained momentum and I started noticing positive changes in some of the most challenging students. With such encouraging results, I decided to commit to a second term. Not only that, I began to genuinely enjoy working with students and seeing them improve academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. It was at this time, that I decided I wanted to pursue a career that helped students and families lead successful lives and have been working on behalf of youth and families ever since.
Like Mandela, I am a first generation college graduate and have seen the positive impact that education has played not only on my life but the lives of those around me. My goals since I started in the field of education have evolved and I believe that teaching students with special needs will allow me to make lasting changes in the lives of youth and families and to ensure that all students have the tools to change their world.