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My Philosophy of Education

 Education plays a crucial role in developing a progressive and functioning society that can face challenges and adapt to change.  From an individual perspective, it can improve the quality of life of those engaged in it by providing avenues for independence, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and improving communication.  This benefits society by providing a pool of insightful citizens who can make informed decisions and find creative solutions to problems that we face.  As educators, it must be our priority to provide students with the tools and skills that will allow them to pursue their passions while also instilling in them the motivation to better themselves.  It should give them opportunities to see how what they are learning is relevant to their lives and it should ignite curiosity and a desire to explore.  From this vantage point, students can see their way to move forward to higher education and rewarding occupations.

 The educator must be able to fulfill a range of leadership roles in the classroom and school environment to meet student needs.  They need to create a sense of community, communicate clearly and compassionately, and persevere through challenges and obstacles, providing students with an example worthy of imitation.  An effective educational leader can mentor and coach students and coworkers, facilitate collaborative relationships, and lead with a vision that inspires others.  An effective mentor is one whose students become more self-reliant and independent.  

Just as the goal of educators is to instill a love of learning in their pupils, they must also embrace a road of lifelong learning for themselves to ensure that they keep up with recent findings.  Science needs to be relevant to students as well as provide a foundation for further study.  The science educator should be aware of new scientific findings, while also continuing to improve their knowledge of effective ways to engage students in that content.  By connecting individual student interests and needs with content that reflects the greater world around them, educators can better engage and motivate students to learn.  Active learning strategies, such as project-based learning and inquiry, engage diverse students in real-world problem-solving in a way that can increase confidence and motivation to persist in science learning.  Giving students choices in the way they will work and how they will demonstrate their mastery also provides individualization and supports student autonomy.  Integration of technology with active learning empowers students with greater personal agency by allowing greater personalization and choice while the educator becomes a facilitator for those experiences. 

Assessment practices must also be geared toward providing the educator and students with tools for monitoring progress and improving outcomes.  Data must be used to drive decision-making in the classroom and the collection of relevant, high-quality data needs to be an integral part of the learning process.  The educator should be comfortable using and learning about new technologies.  Technology tools, such as learning management systems, online educational and communication tools, and assessment applications, can facilitate the collection, analysis, and sharing of data to better understand and meet student needs.  Technology can be used to provide students with adaptive learning opportunities, communicate with parents, and bring together diverse data to aid professional learning communities in developing initiatives.  Through effective assessment practices, thoughtful use of technology, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the educator can be a powerful force for transformation in the world.