pHiLoSoPhY

1. Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.

2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.

3. A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: the philosophy of Hume.

4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.

5. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theology.

6. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

7. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of advertising.

8. A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life.

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[Middle English philosophie, from Old French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek philosophi, from philosophos, lover of wisdom, philosopher; see philosopher.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

 So, I'm filling out job applications, and one of the things that I'm often asked for is my

(drum roll) 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION.

So give it to me honestly, how many of you in a career other than education have to submit your philosophy statement with an application?  What is your PHILOSOPHY OF ACCOUNTING or PHILOSOPHY OF SALES?  Outside the world of academia, do these things exist?  Please enlighten me!

Anyway, I must say that it was a good exercise.  I've written several of these during my career and during college, but I haven't sat down to think about my Philosophy for quite awhile.  Here was my process:  I googled "Philosophy of Education"....NO, not to copy, (come on!  I'm a teacher for goodness sake!) just to get some ideas of what employers might be looking for in the 2010s.

Check out this one done on Wordle:  GREAT IDEA!!  I think I'll make one of these too!

It seemed pretty standard to definition #7 above.  Simple enough to answer:  What are my beliefs about education?  Honestly, most likely the same as every other educator on the planet.  Not too original!  BUT then I was reading that employers really want to get to know the individual, so it's sometimes good to include your background and your inspiration for becoming a teacher...things like that.  Well, that was refreshing, because I LOVE talking about why I was inspired to become an educator!  Anyway, since I hadn't posted anything on my blog in awhile, but I HAVE most definitely been doing some writing, I thought I would "bore" you with my Philosophy of Education.  

Oh, and one more thing, I reserve the right to change this statement at anytime, because I just might want to change it up a bit.  How's that for official legal-ese?!

NOTE: Please understand that this is a general philosophy written with private (non-Christian) or public schools in mind.  My Christian Philosophy of Education would be the same....but incorporate more of my faith beliefs into the actual document.  Maybe I'll post that one at a later time!

Here we go . . . deep thoughts  . . . kind of . . .

Marcy Miller’s

Philosophy of Education

2010

From Minnesota, an idyllic state of hearty and loyal citizens known by Garrison Keillor fans worldwide, I am the daughter of two public school teachers.  My parents are gifted teachers, and I believe that can be said without bias, even by their daughter.  They are well known in their small town community for their integrity, collaboration, and professionalism. 

Building relationships has been a key factor to their success, and my dad, who is in his third year of retirement, was truly a master teacher.  Not only was he accomplished in his content area, but he also invested his life in that of his students.  He has hundreds of former 7-12^th grade students as friends on Facebook who love to hear encouraging words from Mr. Miller and harass him about his favorite football team.  He was a school leader, and he continues to be very well respected by former administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and members of the community. 

My mom is a “practically-perfect-in-every-way” 1^st Grade teacher.  Not only was she an amazing domestic engineer (aka homemaker) as my sisters and I grew up, but later, while raising three teenagers and taking care of my dad while he was recovering from major brain surgery, she went back to college with students half her age and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and her BS in Education. My mom, still incredibly passionate about education, will be retiring at the end of this school year in order to join my dad on some RV adventures.  Mrs. Miller, recipient of hundreds of hugs and “love letters,” is known for her work of differentiating instruction so that all learners have an opportunity to be successful, mentoring new teachers, and partnering with parents. She will leave a foundational legacy of nurturing, collaboration, and impressive achievement.  Like my dad, she is also a well-loved and respected member of the community at large.

Although I cannot provide scientific evidence, I think that perhaps being an educator is part of my DNA.  At one time, four out of the five members of my family were teachers.  And the sister who wasn’t a teacher?  Well, she is now working in banking . . . as a trainer and manager.   Let’s just say that the title, “Miss Miller” is a great fit!

I grew up hearing a myriad of stories from both in an out of the classroom fitting all genres of film.  Comedies were featured on a regular basis, because as I soon found out, an elementary classroom was full of laughter!  Suspense and Mystery were featured often, because not all children are honest and without mischief. There were occasional Tragedies—the unfortunate accidents caused by misuse of tools in the wood shop or devastating sagas of illness.  At times, a Western was afoot—there were showdowns of all types at the K-12 Corral—student vs. teacher; parent vs. teacher; teacher vs. teacher; teacher vs. principal; school vs. community, and the list goes on.  My favorite stories were the compelling Dramas—the stories that continued over several days, weeks, or even months.  These were the tales of struggling students, celebratory successes, and creative teaching.  Through all the stories that I have heard through the years, I learned what education was all about.  There were joys and sorrows; successes and failures; kind words and harsh accusations; inspirations and frustrations, as well as good days and bad.

Now, with over a decade of experience as an educator, I have been able to add several stories to The Miller School Tales Filmography Collection.  Living in an Asian culture has provided me with a few Comedies and Dramas about working in Taiwan with children and their parents who speak three or four languages, but may not speak English—subtitled, of course!  As an administrator, I have been able to add some Action tales of high treason and boxing matches on the playground.  I have also contributed a few inspiring Biographies of blossoming students with special needs, a captivating Science Fiction extravaganza taking place in the computer lab that is not so much fiction as it is reality; a couple of Horror films involving bleeding foreheads and H1N1, and of course, the essential Chick Flick of monumental proportions in the Middle School.

Education is not an easy profession. It requires dedication and work to be an exemplary teacher and life-long learner.  It takes hours of planning just to lay the groundwork for learning opportunities.  Teaching and learning takes a team--one where the members are not always willing, flexible, or active.  So what is my philosophy of education?  Well, simply said, I believe that it is all about what is good for the learner—whether that learner is 6 months or 102 years old.  In the instance of K-12 education, I believe that everyone (teachers/support staff, administrators, students, and parents) are to be held responsible to ideals of moral integrity, citizenship, effective communication, ethical decision-making, discernment, critical thinking, rational behavior, and life-long learning.  However, if I am in the role of educator and/or educational leader, all of my endeavors to instill these ideals through my instruction will be for naught if I do not live my life as a person of integrity and character.  My walk must match my talk.  If this is not the case, how can I honestly and sincerely educate?

As an enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated leader of integrity, I am committed to nurturing a vibrant, educational community where academic excellence and growth is accessible for all children. "What's good for kids?" is a question that guides my leadership in a school.  Firmly standing for quality instruction and assessment for 21st Century learners, data-driven decision-making, intentional curriculum design, and early intervention, I am devoted to fostering a school environment that embraces differing cultures and learning styles.  My desire is to serve as a strong leader--personally dedicated to life-long learning and endeavoring to cultivate collegiality and teamwork.

Yes, if my parents were in the Hollywood film business, they would be rich. However, as educators, they have what money just cannot buy.  They are partly responsible for the development of “Earth-Shakers”--children who have grown up to impact their world in amazing ways.  These children are present and future scientists, doctors, police officers, humanitarians, judges, mechanics, pastors, and movie stars.  They are global citizens and digital natives who live in a rapidly changing world where those impossible square roots can be found with the touch of a button; books can be read without going to the Library; conversations can take place anywhere and at anytime—as long as there is wifi and/or cell phone reception, and thousands of pictures, CDs, and documents can be stored on a flash drive that fits on a key ring. 

Educators are no longer the experts—the people who know everything.  We are the ones who inspire and lay the track for learning.  We teach our students to solve problems and think creatively.  We provide doors to open and horizons to ponder.  Education is an amazing calling!  At the end of my career (which, I hope, will be many, many years from now), I wonder what films will have been added to the collection?! 

What stories are waiting to be told?