Philosophy Statement as an Educator

Running head: PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT AS AN EDUCATOR
Philosophy Statement as an Educator
Name
University
Author’s note

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT AS AN EDUCATOR
1
Notable philosopher Lev Vygotsky held that the environment of the children influences
their learning and personal development to a great extent. He maintained that children have
better opportunity to achieve higher levels of education if they are surrounded by more
knowledgeable individuals (Blake, 2015). Hence, to become an effective educator, I believe my
first responsibility is to improve my knowledge and capabilities, so that I can bring about a
positive transformation in the childrens’ lives. However, matua are the first teachers of a child,
and whanau is the primary environment that provides the early knowledge, values and
perspective in tamariki. Similarly, to be an ideal kaiako, what I believe and do is of great
importance, as it would have a deep impact on the tamariki.
I believe it is not right to consider the tamariki as incomplete adults. They have their own
the capabilities and competence. Their whatumanawa are like sponge, ready to soak up all the
mohiotanga and information the can gather. As they develop their own hinengaro, they make
meaning of things they learn and experience, and thus shape their worldviews (Elango et al.,
2015). Hence, it is important, as an educator, to be careful and responsible of what we are
exposing the young akonga to. To this end, I believe whakaute, aroha, atawhai and open
communication with children will help me earn their trust and attention.
As an educator, I look forward not only to help the tamariki to learn fundamental life
skills, but also to inspire them, encouraging them to explore new things, be inquisitive and ask
questions to lay the foundation of a life-long learning, and motivate them to support each other,
so that they grow up as a part of a hapori, instead of an isoalated individual. Hence, I would
strive for building an inclusive environment within the classroom, where the tamariki from all