this book. I have listed them alphabetically. I do not think anyone would agree on an or-
der of importance. As you prepare to become a teacher, these are the big issues you
should think about (in case you are worried, we will return to discussion of how to find a
teaching job a number of times in the book).Assessment Content Knowledge
Differentiated Instruction Diversity(a.k.a. Multiculturalism)
Inclusion Literacy
Standards TechnologyQuestions to Consider:- How do you define these terms?
- What other terms would you add to the list? Why?
- Which terms, if any, would you drop from the list? Why?
4.Select three terms that you believe are important for teachers to think about and ex-
plain your views on why they are important.
SECTION B: HOW DO YOUR BELIEFS ABOUT THE WORLD SHAPE
YOUR TEACHING?
Have you taken a philosophy course in college? Most of us usually think of philosophers as
people who think deep thoughts about big ideas. The stereotype is that they are so preoccu-
pied with their ideas that they are disconnected from the world around them and look and
act a little weird.
Of course, there are other ways to think about philosophers and philosophy. In the
movie,The Wizard of Oz(1939), the Scarecrow wanted a brain. In answer to his request, the
Wizard gave him a degree in philosophy. I always find the scene funny, but there is a deeper
message. In a sense, we are all philosophers. Everyone has a philosophy that gives direction
to her or his beliefs and actions. The key is whether we think about it so that it becomes a
conscious and considered aspect of our lives. You may not think about your philosophy; you
may not even be aware of it, but you have one. Maybe it is something as simple (or as com-
plicated) as the Judeo-Christian Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you,” or Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way.”
Just as every individual has a philosophy of life, every teacher has a philosophy of educa-
tion that shapes the way she or he looks at teaching. It includes their beliefs about life and
the importance of learning, their goals, and their understanding of how to achieve them.
Their philosophy includes views about “big ideas” such as democracy, equality, social jus-
tice, merit, a hierarchy of rewards, and the need for social structure and control, ideas that
shape both our understanding of society in general and of education. In some areas, our be-
liefs are open to examination by ourselves and by others. At other times, they can be deeply
hidden and we may not be conscious of them. But whether we are aware of them or not, we
have beliefs that shape the way we think and act. This essay discusses the ideas of philoso-
phers who were also educators. Their ideas may help you to clarify your own beliefs about
the world and about teaching.
GOALS 7