Educational Beliefs and Experiences

To model democratic core values that embody the standard of society and give students access to the tools and experiences to be socially, academically, and globally competent are two major beliefs that I believe education should be. Public schools are institutes that were created in order to equip younger generations with the necessary “life” skills so they can continue and advance our way of life and will be able to constructively contribute to the world around them. Schools are not just areas where students sit in class and take notes, do homework, and take standardized tests. On the contrary, schools must be vibrant places where students interact in a positive way, learn from each other, and develop a sense of belonging/identity and pride. Schools must be the focal point of the community and be constantly celebrated because they are guaranteeing a better future by developing outstanding citizens that reflect communities, families, and our country. I remember when I was playing varsity football and our coach would always remind us that we were not only representing our school as student athletes but we were representing our families and our community and we were never to embarrass or disrespect that privilege.

Schools should prepare students for successful and productive lives upon graduation. Therefore, the school’s curriculum must prepare students to excel at a variety of experiences allowing all students the opportunity to live the American dream. Schools must be required to teach literacy and mathematical skills. Also, with the ever evolving technological world, schools must now teach technical computer skills to all students. Today if students want to pursue college, be a mechanic, or even work at McDonalds they must be able to calculate simple and/or complex math, read and probably, now-a-days, operate some sort of computer. If a student cannot perform these skills they will most likely be replaced with someone who is more proficient. Schools must also be a place where diversity and history are taught, health and physical education (obesity epidemic http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html) are supported along with other classes that will prepare students to make healthy and socially acceptable choices, which will result in successful family, career, and college bound opportunities.

Students should learn the school’s curriculum through multiple modes. Students should take field trips, visit work sites, and perform projects where they can explore the actual relevance of the skills they are learning. Differentiating the curriculum in order to make the material relevant to all students will make students appreciate their education experience by creating a sense of accomplishment and pride in their daily educational experiences. Also, teachers should not be told how to teach their curriculum in their classes. I believe in giving teachers the autonomy to make the proper decision in how to teach their content to their students. Some teachers may find more success through collaborative group settings while other teachers may find more success through a direct instruction approach. Students deserve a free quality education and as long as they are receiving that from their teachers, I will support their efforts. Often, administrators get caught up in multiple research studies, previous experiences, and anecdotes and sometimes forget to actually talk to the teachers themselves before demanding and orchestrating the best curriculum implementation at their school.

Lately, my work does not reflect my beliefs. Working in a school where students do not appreciate education, administrators to not enforce long term consequences and students get away with almost anything and are just smacked on the wrist or forced to just apologize with a handshake DOES NOT CUT IT! Our students are apathetic and do not want to facilitate or actively participate in a free quality education that will better their lives. Due to this environment it is very difficult to express my philosophies and beliefs because most days I am not even a teacher but just a classroom manager who gives students “work.” Most of our teachers find success in just getting their classes quiet (following multiple and excessive phone calls home) so that they can introduce the day’s activities and expectations. Teaching in Baltimore City has made me question the educational system in the United States and has made me question my future as a teacher because, mainly, my work does not demonstrate my beliefs on what education should look like and how students should be achieving daily so that students are prepared to make healthy and socially acceptable choices, which will result in successful family, career, and college bound opportunities. I do not have the answer nor the patience to find the magical answer anymore. Parents need to take more initiative in their child's education and support what America is offering the youth of tomorrow. I plan on working in a more sustainable and productive environment next year where I will be able to exert my philosophies of hard work, determination, and positive choices in an environment where students respect themselves and the adults delivering their free and equal education.