Philosophie De L'Education

Philosophie De L'Education

Mary Beth Backewich

PQP1 2017

Setting Direction:

As an educator I believe the reason to educate is to create and inspire peace. Peace Education is education within which all are welcome, all are perfect. It is positive framework seeking first to prevent and eliminate violence of any kind through the building of relationships and the creation of safe and caring school climates above all academics. I believe in a flexible and responsive approach to teaching and learning as we let our students guide the direction of our pedagogy. This holistic approach to education ensures we provide our students with both the quality education and the social emotional learning needed to be resilient to 21st Century pressures.

Leading the Instructional Program:

Technological advantages have created a small and interconnected world allowing for a greater reach for our students and so the acquisition of languages like French provide children with tools needed to develop connections with cultures worldwide. Language matters and it is every child’s right to learn within a safe and inclusive environment. I believe we must be accountable to what we say, the images our students are provided and the voices they hear on their learning journey. Language is power, and language has been created by those who are in power. That being said, the value laden language we use without thought can have lasting influence on our students. Ensuring educators use gender inclusive language and politically correct and inclusive language by identifying the “person” before any other characteristic or defining feature is of utmost importance.

Securing Accountability:

I believe students learn best when they are guided by their passions. It is the responsibility of teachers to foster, nurture and creatively help align the curriculum with the student’s future aspirations while providing realistic goals based on their abilities. Teachers owe their students presence, authenticity and humility. When we listen to our students we recognizing they have a voice and say in their own education and journey of self-growth.

Building Relationships & Inspiring People:

As a Catholic educator I believe I am being asked first model, second listen and third inspire through questioning by helping others to see the “signs, the wonders” of God which are present within themselves. Acts indicates we are all vessels through which the Holy Spirit is living. It is my responsibility as a Catholic to help those around me realize their own dreams and gifts as educators and humans. God provides us with everything we need and it is a matter of teaching students to be able to reflectively seek and retrieve their internal strength, resilience and peace.