Molly Kay Hake

I have taken pieces of several mainstream educational philosophies to form my own, individualized teaching philosophy which determines what and how I teach along with how I view teaching, learning, and my students. The way I see teaching and learning, and my whole philosophy of education in general, is most largely influenced by my Christian worldview and that overarching philosophy of life. Being a Christian, I believe God has given me the abilities and the desires that I have that make me a great teacher. He has called me to it.

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When it comes to the content of what I teach, I believe I fall mostly within perennialism and essentialism. These focus on the essential skills and topics students need and the truth and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. I see so much value in learning from the past and in teaching absolute truths as well as principles and practices that have stood the test of time. I think that a simpler set of content goals help students’ minds stay less jumbled than the often overly complicated content in classrooms these days.

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When it comes to how I teach, though aspects of Essentialism and Perennialism are still seen, Progressivism and Behaviorism are also seen. For example, Progressivism includes inquiry based learning and teaching to the whole student, which aligns with my Christian view of my students, and I also see the benefit of guiding questions and inquiry. The difference, though, between me and others in progressivism is that I use it to get my students to the absolute truth, not to their version of truth. I also never want clarity to be sacrificed, so I will opt for direct instruction as needed. I also think that the reinforcement method of Behaviorism is a fair and practical way to manage a classroom. However, over time I would like my students to develop a morality that encourages them to be intrinsically, rather than externally, motivated to do what is right and behave appropriately in and out of class.

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My main goal is to instill in my students a true sense of gratitude for their education and the value and habit of hardwork and perseverance by requiring it of them, modeling it for them, and encouraging them and praising them when I see it, then my students will be prepared to excel in the world and to do the right thing even when it isn’t the easy thing. Aside from these things, I also want my students to be competent in the academic content and prepared for the workplace and world. I want students to leave my class prepared to succeed in the following grade. I don’t want to perpetuate the increasing numbers of students who are so far behind in academics. It is important that I recognize these aspects of my philosophy so that I can continue to grow in it and shape it according to where I am and what my students need. The journey of becoming a great teacher doesn’t end when I get my first classroom. In fact, that is just the beginning of it.