EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY 1

Educational Philosophy Biography

Stephanie M. Davenport

Regent University
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As I think about becoming a teacher, I find that I am often burdened with a deep need to

love the children of this world that are aching for someone to love them. These children are

missing God’s amazing love, and so desperately need us to pay attention to them and believe in

them; to believe that they can do anything they set their mind to. It truly makes my heart break

for these hurting children. There are four philosophies in education, but we will focus on two.

Each has a positive impact of its own to contribute to education. As a child, I constantly

struggled, and often felt pushed aside, which impacted me greatly. I think as an educator, there

are so many responsibilities, both academically, but spiritually as well. To change or impact

children’s lives, I need to be able to determine their strengths and weaknesses. I also need to

approach each child with the mindset of being a missionary for Christ. I want to be the teacher

that loves and educates her students with love, understanding, discipline, and compassion.

Essentialism is a philosophy that was created to stop the decline of intelligence and

“moral standards in education…the core concept being that there is an identifiable body of

knowledge and skills proven to be essential to culture and civilization” (pg83). It was a way to

prevent the standards in education from deteriorating, and keep our competition strong against

other nations- as we see today has impacted the intention of the educational system of today.

Essentialism is intended to have the structure of a “ ‘body of knowledge’, which would give

skills such as reading, writing, and math for elementary…which has the intention of having all

students at the same level academically” (pg83). This is very similar to the ESSA, where

educationally, the intention is to have all students at the same level. In regards to classroom

management, the focus is a very “orderly, behaved classroom that emphasizes discipline and

character training with clear expectations for behavior and respect for others” (pg84). This

philosophy speaks a lot to what I see as important. I feel that as a teacher, if I do not have control
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of my classroom from day one, then the results would be chaos. It is important to lay down

classroom rules, consequences, and rewards. Children need to know what is expected of them.

Each student will be different, sometimes without boundaries, so reaching each one where they

are will be a challenge. Taking control, as well as being in control is critical to classroom and

student success. I absolutely will utilize collaboration with other, more experienced teachers in

regard to effective consequences and classroom control. In regards to respect for others, and

good classroom character, I may teach the student that does well in class to have kindness and

compassion by tasking him/her to help a struggling student in class. There will be students that

are less challenged but need more challenging; there will also be students that need to feel

important, needing extra attention. Filling their needs and letting them help someone else will be

food for their soul. I want all of my students to feel that they can accomplish anything they put

their mind to and work hard for. This will be evident by implementing Hebrew 13:1 “Let

brotherly love continue” (NKJV). Everyone needs to have respect, kindness and love for one

another, and it will be one of the many ways to teach them about God’s love without speaking

specifically to my faith. I intend to have the class be treated as a family.

Another verse that speaks to my philosophy as a teacher, and to my students, is

Deuteronomy 3:28 “But command Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall

go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see”

(NKJV). I am called to be an educator because God wants to use me in each child’s life. It is my

responsibility to encourage them, lift them up, guide, and prepare them not only for the next

grade, but to help them with life lessons as well. This is an incredible opportunity to speak the

Fruits of the Spirit into each child.

My second philosophy is Progressivism, which “is concerned with progress and is based

on the mindset or belief that individuals can change or be improved upon…but also focuses on

real-world problem-solving” (pg75). Encouraging students to learn through interaction is also a

great approach for children that are hands-on learners. According to George Knight, “children

have a natural desire to learn and discover things about the world around them…they also have

certain needs that must be fulfilled in their lives” (Knight,106). He also states that “Children’s

interests are the natural starting point for the learning experience. Progressivism, in regards to

classroom management, holds a strong importance on educating “the whole child, both physical,

emotional, and social aspects…the environment is fundamental to the child’s nature…the

classroom would include an atmosphere that is active, experience directed, and self-directed”

(pg76). I instantly imagine a classroom that somehow incorporates an imaginative, exploratory

approach, where students are engaged in a process, not necessarily sitting at their table for

learning. This approach, in my opinion, would be very helpful for the students that have “ants in

their pants”, that have difficulty sitting still. I love how King states that “The teacher’s role is

that of an advisor, guide, and fellow traveler, rather than that of authoritarian and classroom

director” (King, 107), which, as he further states, “The role of teachers can be seen as that of

helping students learn how to learn by themselves, so that they will develop into self-sufficient

adults…”(King, 108).

In researching these different philosophies and determining what fits my approach, I find

that I will be completely dependent on the Lord to guide me, keep my patient, and help me to not

only teach my students well, but just as importantly, be Jesus to their sweet souls. I found a

wonderful verse, Judges 16:28 “Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, O Lord GOD,

remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God…” (NKJV). I need to be
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mindful that my strength always comes from God, and praying not only over my classroom

every morning before I walk in the door, but also for the day, and for each student. I need to also

constantly depend on Him to lead me and to help me to be the most effective in my students

lives.
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References

-Webb,L., Metha,A., Jordan,K.F. (2013). Foundations of American Education. Boston: Pearson

-Knight,G. (2006). Philosophy and Education: an introduction in Christian perspective. Fourth

Edition. Berrien Springs: Andrews University Press.

- Radmacher, E., Allen, R., House, H.W. (1997) The Nelson Study Bible. NKJV. Nashville:

Thomas Nelson Publishers