“Thoughts on Education” an article I wrote in 1993 for a graduate class while attending at Westminster College is included here because it truly introduces you to me and my philosophy of education.  I grew up very similar to the children we are educating today and my wish for them is success in what ever vocation they choose.

            

“Your mind is like a sponge …Soak up as much knowledge as you possibly can because you don’t have to pack it when you move.”  Grandmother Olive Enos

 

It is necessary to understand oneself in order to understand your philosophy.  Therefore, I have spent hours reflecting on how I’ve come to this point in life.  Education was important in our household.  My father was an automotive repair instructor and my mother, a health/physical education teacher in the public schools.  I was taught at home to respect my teachers and those in authority at school.  When I attended the Junior High where my Mom taught, she was “Mrs. Enos” for those seven hours each day.  I can remember being upset over not receiving an “A” on a project in the sixth grade and Mom said, “Karen, as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror and honestly say ‘I did my very best, I tried my hardest’; that’s all dad and I can expect.”  Thinking back on that statement makes me proud to have parents who valued the importance of a good education, but understand that we all have limitations.

 

Responsibility and cooperation were also taught at home because both my parents consider these traits to be important components of both their teaching careers and their lives.  Growing up on a farm, my sisters and I were expected to help when ever necessary:  from carrying jugs of lemonade to Dad in the field, to getting up at 6 o’clock on a 10 below zero morning to feed the cattle.  We were never told “no you can’t do that because you’re a girl.” which has been very significant in my life because I now feel I can do anything if I try hard enough.  Through my life experiences both personal and professional, I now understand my personality to be that of a “perfectionist”.  I have always set very high

standards for myself and others.

These and other experiences in my life have brought me to this belief, a quality education is one of the most important things a child can receive.  Through knowledge and understanding, a person can make sound, responsible decisions for living.

 

The school is a part of the community in which it is built.  The community and society have always had expectations of the school:  to educate the young so they might become productive members of society.  I feel this is a reasonable expectation.  Students should demonstrate good citizenship.

 

The school should expect cooperation from the society in return.  Whether a public or private institution, the school needs the parents’ support and involvement in their child’s education.  To gain their support, the school needs to communicate effectively with them.  Parents have the authority to instill in their children a respect for education and teachers; they have the right to shut off the television set as well as to limit other distractions, such as the internet and videogames.  Schools need to utilize and encourage parents’ rights and authority in the education of the young.

 

The physical structure of the school is very important.  Schools and classrooms should be warm, comfortable and safe.  It should be spacious with large windows for natural lighting.  The furniture should be movable individual tables and chairs which can be grouped easily.  There should be plenty of storage so that each student might claim a shelf or bin to store assignments and projects.  Each individual classroom will lead to a main common meeting area where assemblies, discussions, plays and activities can take place.

 

The curriculum should include communications skills:  reading, writing and comprehension; arts and humanities; science and technology; health; and environment.  The curriculum should integrate all subjects one to another.  For example, in my art room we must understand math and measurements in order to matte a print correctly, and know that