My Philosophy Assignment
EDEF 3200
Personal Philosophy on Education
Andrea Hounslow
The quote by Rick Riordan, from his book, The Red Pyramid, “Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need,” resonates deeply with my philosophy as an educator. Fairness in the classroom is not about uniformity but about equity and ensuring that each student receives the necessary tools and support to succeed based on their individual needs.
As an educator, I recognize that every student comes with unique backgrounds, abilities, challenges and strengths. Some may need extra time to complete assignments, alternating seat arrangements, or assistive technology, while others may require enrichment opportunities to remain engaged. By embracing differentiated instruction, I can tailor my teaching to support diverse learning needs, ensuring that fairness is not about treating everyone identically, but about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
One way I would implement this philosophy is, through flexible assessment strategies. For example, if I am teaching a grade 5 math lesson on fractions, some students may grasp the concept quickly, while others may struggle. Instead of giving every student the same worksheet and expecting the same outcome, I would differentiate my approach for struggling students by providing manipulatives such as fraction tiles or visual models to help them conceptualize the numbers. I might also offer small-group instruction or guided practice. For students who are on pace, I would assign problem-solving tasks that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Lastly, for students who require a challenge, I would provide enrichment tasks, such as creating their own word problems or explore equivalent fractions in more depth.
On the social and emotional side of learning, I would offer different ways to manage feelings as some may need a quiet space and others may need movement breaks. When handling conflicts, I would focus on understanding the root cause instead of using the same consequence for everyone. Regular check ins with students would ensure students feel heard and cared for.
In sharing this philosophy with my class, I would introduce the concept of fairness using an analogy. For example, giving each student a pair of shoes in the same size would not be fair because not everyone has the same sized feet. Instead, we would provide the right fit for each person. I would reinforce this message regularly to encourage classroom culture of equity and support.
By applying these strategies, I ensure that fairness in my classroom is about meeting each student where they are and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
From The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicals, #1) by Rick Riordan. (2010)
Marguerite and Marshall Shearer first wrote in The Charlotte Observer, “Be curious, not judgmental,” often attributed to Walt Whitman, embodies a core principle of my teaching philosophy as it creates a classroom culture where inquiry is encouraged, and students feel safe to explore, question, and learn without fear of judgement.
Curiosity fuels learning, while judgement can create barriers that prevent students from reaching their full potential. As an educator, our role is to nurture a growth mindset where students see mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than failures.
Every student comes into the classroom with their own experiences, struggles and strengths. Instead of making assumptions about a student’s abilities or behaviors, I choose to ask, “What does this student need to succeed?” By approaching my students with curiosity rather than judgment, I create an inclusive and supportive environment where differences are valued and respected.
One way I implement this philosophy is through student-led discussions and inquiry-based learning. For example, instead of immediately correcting a student’s response in a math lesson, I might ask, “That’s an interesting way to think about it, can you explain your reasoning?” This approach encourages critical thinking and allow students to develop confidence in their own problem-solving abilities.
To share this philosophy with my students, I would model curiosity in everyday interactions by asking open-ended questions, exploring multiple perspectives, and emphasizing the importance of seeking understanding rather than making assumptions. By creating a classroom culture that values curiosity, empower students to embrace lifelong learning and approach the world with open-mindedness and empathy.
Quote taken from a column in The Charlotte Observer in 1986 written by Marguerite and Marshall Shearer.
Core Belief
A structured and respectful learning environment fosters responsibility,
discipline, and a strong work ethic which is critical for both academic success
and personal growth. By recognizing the importance of maintaining respect for
teachers, school guidelines, and classroom expectations, I ensure that students
receive guidance that is both supported and structured.
Key Quotes and Their Relevance to Education
“Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means
everyone gets what they need.” – Rick Riordan
This quote supports equity in education ensuring each student has the
necessary support to succeed.
“Students don’t need perfect teachers. They need a teacher who
gets them excited about learning. A teacher who smiles and makes them enjoy
coming into the classroom each day.” – Richard P. Feynman
This quote reinforces positive and respectful classroom environments.
“Be curious, not judgmental.” – Walt Whitman
This quote promotes open mindedness, inclusion, and respect in education.
Reflections