My Philosophy of Education

I believe that education is essential for citizens to fully participate in the democratic
process and necessary to defend their liberties guaranteed under the Constitution of the United
States and the Bill of Rights and creates an informed and just citizenry. Education enables people
to acquire knowledge to change the society in which they participate. Education provides the
necessary knowledge and opportunities for individuals to change their circumstances and to
reduce socioeconomic disparity, as the role of education is a means of bringing about social
justice. Education is the mechanism which combats social, political, and economic oppression
within society. Education enables the adult learner to develop a strong sense of identity and
autonomy and absolute control over the decision-making processes in their life. Education
provides the adult learner the knowledge to rise above complacency and apathy.
I believe that every adult learner should be afforded the opportunity to pursue learning for
whatever their reason. No matter what the personal reasons are for obtaining an education,
everyone possesses the potential to achieve their goals, given appropriate and adequate resources
and support without obtrusive interference. Learning institutions should provide exemplary
direction during the process to retain talent and to graduate their applicants. Equality shall exist
between those who enter the educational process regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion,
gender, and ability. Adult learners should be encouraged to participate in purposeful learning
activities. Adult learners must be made to feel they are capable of learning to galvanize selfefficacy.
I believe that the adult learner is a unique individual who requires a safe, caring,
respectful, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually,
and socially. The facilitator leads but does not direct and assist adults in the process of selfactualization acting as a guide, coach, or mentor. It is the responsibility of the educator to assist

adult learners to meet their fullest potential by providing a democratic learning environment that
supports risk-taking and promotes a sharing of ideas. The adult educator is a resource for
learning for those students that are unaware of belief systems and bodies of knowledge other
than those that were assimilated with past experiences and to move forward with new paradigms
of thought and action. The adult educator presents the opportunity to challenge previously
accepted beliefs and to consider the validity of alternative behaviors - even those that seem
uncomfortable or cause pain. Teaching involves questioning the givens and scrutinizing the
status quo. The educator must respectfully, and without bias, encourage open discourse and
encourage active participation during the learning process, to challenge one another, and to
promote learning by drawing on intrinsic motivation.
I believe the educator guides the learning activities in a learner-centered framework using
some rationale or learning theory and instills the love for knowledge, for knowledge is power.
The role of the facilitator may include transmitting information through training exercises,
lectures, mass media, or through methods of inquiry for the adult learner to scaffold knowledge
upon their experiences that assists them in identifying problems they face in their lives and in
their communities. Teacher effectiveness depends on content mastery, understanding adults as
learners, and the capability to facilitate the learning process. The adult educator should possess
enthusiasm. humor, cultural awareness, and clarity of explanation. The adult educator assists
learners in becoming independent and self-directed learners. The educator is a life-long learner.
I believe that the educators' role is to reassure and to empower the adult learner through
feedback. Effective facilitation requires periodic assessment between current and desired
proficiencies. Adult learners must be able to construct knowledge and practice skills in authentic

situations to demonstrate proficiency. An effective adult educator encourages students to

recognize past and current performances so they can distinguish personal growth. Critical
reflection is an integral piece of the assessment process to foster an attitude of healthy skepticism
and to assimilate and integrate new behaviors, ideals, and values.
I believe that "education is the most powerful weapon which you use to change the
world." ~ Nelson Mandela