PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Character Education = Pieces to Peace
Recently I read an article where a teacher spoke to building community in her classroom. She
said: Kids often dont know how to have a conversationSince the 1 st day of school, Ive been drilling
them about their manners, even just when someone greets you, Hi, how are you today? you ask the
person back It reminded me of a challenging practicum experience where I observed the Grade 3
students not practising simple courtesies with each other. I began holding the doors open and back
for everyone, and thanking those that did the same. To that rare student that did say thank you for
food provided during snack time, I replied, Thank you for saying thank you! Another student
commented, That sounds funny! I replied, I like it when people express gratitude. It makes me feel
good, so I also want to make you feel good. Thats why I said thank you for saying thank you! It
was contagious and snack time became a lovely chorus of thank yous. With a focus on character
education, we can all be pieces to peace.
Peace transcends grade levels, differing levels of ability, gender, race, religion and
sexual orientation. Peace speaks to equity, anti-bullying, harmony, inclusion and
character. We are all pieces of the peace puzzle. To foster character growth, we promote,
encourage, celebrate, and teach specific character attributes to our students and school communities
through a Safe and Inviting Physical Environment; Staff Modelling of Good Character; Rules
and Procedures for Promoting Civility and a Positive School Climate; Curriculum
Connections; Rich Literature; Critical Thinking and Reflection; Community and Civic
Engagement and Service Learning
To organize my philosophy, my central idea that With a focus on character education, we
can all be pieces to peace, the guiding structure to communicate my vision for teaching is:
Supporting students in consciously building a way of life by: 1) Engaging Students and
Teaching Inclusively; 2) Integrating Learning and Connecting to Students Lives; and
3)Getting to Know Students Well and Building Community in the Classroom.
1) I will engage students by giving them more choices, and always explain the value of what they
are doing. I will always try to think of different ways to get them excited and interested. I will teach
inclusively by attending to the diverse cultures, and background experiences of all the students.
Every childs voice should be heard, every child should have the opportunity to learn and every child
should be allowed to explore, study and discover new things.
2) Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. Pragmatism aka
Experimentalism, is a view that focuses on the reality of experience, recognizing we are living in a
world of constant change. A fundamental concept in this authentic learning philosophy is that you
must experience anothers opinions and beliefs in order to more fully develop your own. I have
witnessed and practised this with learning centres that crossed subjects of language, math and
science. Integrated learning is more authentic and useful, because in the real world most problems
cut across discipline lines. During a Grade 2 practicum, there was a problem with budding in line. I
watched as the teacher always took time to hear each students story, rendered a decision, and sent
one to the back of the line. As this continued to be a daily conflict, I tried a different approach. I said
to them, When you have the choice to be right or be kind, what is the better choice? They looked at
me, looked at each other and both ran to the back of the line! Change the way you look at
things, and the things you look at change
3) I believe the goal of education is helping students be the most they can be, in each of their
intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials. How we treat others
impacts learning. It is all about relationships. Connectedness provides a safe environment for
discussions of theories and sharing of experiences. I will support and show interest in each student
regardless of their background. I will cater to individual learning preferences, while improving on
others, practise one-on-one learning, assisting in the development of their meta-learning ability. I will
form a bond with each student, enabling me to assist with emotional development and soft skills.
Education is not only about the wisdom gained, it is also about the experience you have
while in the learning environment. It is the ideal format for delivering education from a holistic
perspective. I will challenge myself and my students every day to think about all that is required
from them to help create peaceful and supportive environments at home, at school, in our
communities, on earth, and with the physical environment. We know that peace will be
achieved through education about equity, inclusion, character, and the protection of the environment.
The value of teaching and modelling good character is the focus.
For A Future Built on Character, I attempt to be an educator, mentor and role-model for
students, focusing on delivering the highest quality of education, with a commitment to students'
academic and personal growth, and determination to create positive change for students that will last
a lifetime. The influence of a good teacher can never be erased. As teachers, we are a huge resource
to inspire our students to be those change agents, to create a more peaceful world.
