My Educational Philosophy

The Long & Winding Road

My journey to teaching echoes the sentiment of the Beatles’ song ‘The Long and Winding Road.’ Although I initially chose to major in Psychology at university with the intention of becoming a high school counselor, I found myself deeply entrenched in the corporate world for over a decade.  My experiences along this winding path have shaped my views and philosophy on the purpose of education.   

My reintroduction to the education system, following my own school years, occurred when my children began their own schooling. When my two older children enrolled in a tier one international school, I witnessed the significant changes in education since my own school days. The teachers of their respective Kindergarten and Second-grade classes generously guided me through the classroom, explaining the concepts of workstations, quiet corners, and circle time. I also received regular updates through the school apps, leaving me both highly impressed and surprised not only by the frequent communication I was receiving but also by the engaging educational activities my children were doing at school.

This experience reignited my interest in education, leading me to rekindle my previous aspirations of working in this field. I chose to restart my journey in education through a Masters in Education program. During this time, I gained insights into the intricacies of school operations, teachers’ lesson-planning processes, and the cultivation of a positive classroom atmosphere. This deeper understanding enhanced my perception of what I had observed in my children’s school.

As part of my program and a requirement for licensing, I was required to spend time teaching as a student teacher in a school. Fortunately, the leadership team at my children’s school graciously allowed me to do this at their school and also participate in the teacher development workshops they organized. It was during this period that I witnessed, for the first time, the meticulous thought and effort teachers put into creating successful lessons. I also observed the direct application of the key concepts I was learning in my program, including 21st-century skills, best practices, growth mindset, social-emotional learning, and the creation of a positive and safe classroom atmosphere.

I strongly resonate with the core concept of modern education, particularly the idea of equipping students not only with foundational knowledge but also with the essential skills that enable them to navigate and thrive in the real world. These 21st-century skills include the below:

Having worked at a high level in the corporate world, I recognize the relevance of these skills in life. Through my courses and experiences as a parent, I have also come to understand the critical importance of teaching these skills from a young age. I am delighted to witness how lessons are now explicitly designed with these skills in mind.  Lesson plans clearly define how they incorporate the relevant 21st-century skills in each class.

My own early educational experience revolved around the conventional model of information absorption. Therefore the concept of viewing the child as a whole was a novel yet relatable idea, given my role as a parent. I have come to appreciate that children cannot thrive unless their fundamental needs are met; for example, a hungry toddler is unlikely to engage productively and can also be expected to throw a tantrum.

This understanding underscores the significance of creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere where students foster strong relationships not only with their peers but also with their teachers. Through my classroom observations, I have come to realize that the most successful classes are those where the teacher cultivates such an environment. These classrooms are characterized by engaging lessons infused with humor, inclusive discussions encouraging every student’s participation and opinion, and well-thought-out activities involving pair or group work. This environment fosters a positive and comfortable classroom atmosphere, allowing students to thrive.

The term ‘best practices’ was initially unfamiliar to me, but I have since come to find it fascinating and inspiring, as it lends the field of education the credibility one would expect from disciplines such as psychology or other sciences. ‘Best practices’ refer to the most effective and successful methods, techniques, and strategies acknowledged and proven through evidence-based research to be the most effective ways of teaching our children and students. 

Educators continually strive to improve the way students are taught, with these improvements encapsulated in this term. Some of these best practices include strategies such as:

While I firmly believe these practices should be integrated into lessons today, I also believe in timeless principles that are invaluable and cannot be overlooked. These principles include respect, discipline, and the setting of high expectations for punctuality and effort.

Having spent time in one of the most demanding corners of the corporate world, I have seen firsthand how invaluable these principles are. These experiences have led me to believe that students will face a rude awakening once they enter the workforce if they are not accustomed to such expectations from a young age.

Therefore, I believe that integrating best practices with these timeless principles will provide students of today with the best possible preparation for their future lives.

To sum up my educational philosophy, it is essential to take a step back and ponder the fundamental purpose of education. I believe this perspective serves as the cornerstone that shapes all subsequent thoughts.

In my view, education should promote the holistic development of young children, nurturing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth in a manner that prepares them for lifelong learning and equips them for success in life.  

My philosophy on education is that this can be accomplished by using best practices to empower students with mastery of 21st-century skills while incorporating timeless principles.