Project Description:  This course is designed to provide students who think the

Project Description: 
This course is designed to provide students who think they may be interested in a teaching career with
information related to the culture of schooling, the system of American education, and opportunities to
participate in early field observations. One of the benefits of this introductory course is that it provides a
foundation from which students can sort out their feelings about being suited for a teaching career
and/or suited for teaching in their chosen grade levels.
As you gain more exposure to different ideas, best teaching practices, and philosophical orientations, you
are better able to determine your own beliefs about teaching and learning.  In this paper, you will
consider your beliefs about the role of the teacher, the role of the learner, the ways you will seek to
establish a classroom climate conducive to learning, how you will manage student behaviors, and
implement curriculum and instruction. Thus, you are beginning to articulate your personal educational
philosophy—one that will continue to grow and evolve. 
. First, re-read your textbook chapter on the five major philosophies influential in our system of
schooling. Consider whether you lean more toward a student-centered or teacher-centered
philosophy.  Think about the aspects of each major philosophy as you decide which of them best
reflect or support your personal viewpoints about teaching and learning.  NOTE: The course
textbook will be your only reference (source) used for this paper.
2. Write a 4-6-page paper (in addition to the title and reference pages) that clearly articulates your
emerging philosophical outlook.  Address each question in the outline below. Your responses
should directly address the questions, reflect your selected philosophy, and include supportive
details and examples.  Use the outline and rubric to guide your writing.
Part I:  Introduction
A. Why have you decided to become a teacher?
B. What is your purpose as a teacher?
C. Why is it important for you to establish or develop an educational philosophy?
D. Briefly, which of the five major philosophies presented in the course textbook most closely
aligns with your beliefs and values, and why?
Part II:  Learners and Teachers
A. What are the roles and responsibilities of student learners?  Provide brief and specific
examples.
B. What are the roles and responsibilities of teachers? Provide brief and specific examples.
Suggested Chapters:  Chapters 6 and 8 (See Tips and Reminders.)
Part III:  Classroom Management and Instruction
A. What system or approach will you use to manage student behavior? How would your
selected approach help establish an environment conducive to learning?  Provide brief and
specific examples.
B. What instructional strategies or techniques will you use to convey information and
facilitate the learning process? Provide brief and specific examples.
C. What are your views about partnering with parents in the educational process?  Provide
brief and specific examples.
Suggested Chapters:  Chapters 6 and 11 (See Tips and Reminders.)
Part IV:  Conclusion
A. What key points or essential elements of your beliefs would you like to emphasize to the
reader as you conclude your paper?
B. Why do you think teaching is a good “fit” as your career choice?
C. In summary, why should an administrator or parent decide to hire you as a final candidate
rather than someone else?
Tips and Reminders:  Use information from the course textbook as a foundation for your responses. No
other sources are allowed for this paper.  See suggested chapters in the outline, but feel free to use other
chapters as applicable. Each major section of your paper should include direct, brief quotes from the
textbook to support your ideas. Paraphrased portions should also be included.  Additionally, your selected
philosophy should be addressed and reflected throughout your paper. 
APA Style and Guidelines
1. Include title and reference pages. You do not need to write an author’s note or abstract.
Double-space the paper, including the reference page. See APA student sample paper for 7th
edition: 
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide
/apa_sample_paper.html
Format for course textbook on the reference page:
Sadker, D.M. & Zittleman, K.R. (2018). Teachers, schools, and society: A brief introduction to
education. McGraw-Hill.
2. Include in-text citations for all sources used for the report (TEA website, videos, interviews, and
course textbook). See APA In-Text Citations:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in
_text_citations_the_basics.html
Format for directly quoting from the textbook:  (Sadker & Zittleman, 2018, p. 132)
Format for paraphrasing from the textbook:        (Sadker & Zittleman, 2018)
3. Label your paper according to the outline.  Omit Roman numerals.  Follow APA guidelines for
correct format of headings.  See APA Headings:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/ap
a_headings_and_seriation.html
4. Create a file name for your report before uploading it in Canvas.  Use the following format: 
Last Name_First Name_ Name of Assignment_Semester, Year.