​All through my educational experiences, I have observed a wide variety of

teaching styles and philosophies. I have been in classrooms that have impacted my life in a positive way, and others that have made me dread going to class every day. Over time I have come to realize the differences in what make a classroom, and the teacher so amazing and impactful. With that being said my ideal philosophy in a classroom is a mix of existentialism and reconstruction. I believe that being a teacher is more than just a career or a way to make money. Being a teacher means you are a counselor, nurse, guardian, therapist, and so much more. I whole heartedly believe that being a teacher is beneficial to not only others but also myself. With my views on our world today and where it is going existentialism and reconstruction philosophy fit perfectly with how I want my own future classroom to run.

Existentialism educational philosophy states that reality is within each and every one of us and it is unique to each individual (Burnham). The main principles of existentialism are freedom, authenticity, and phenomenology (Burnham). Existentialists believe that every individual is unique in their very own way and that their education must be based around those unique qualities (Educational Philosophies Definitions and Comparison Chart). With that being said existentialism philosophy means that student’s curriculum is flexible, and the students have the ability to pick and choose what they learn (Educational Philosophies Definitions and Comparison Chart). I strongly believe that if a student is intrigued about the subject and have a say in how they learn it then they will comprehend it more. Personally, I am an upcoming advocate for existentialism similarly to others in our world. Many of the great people in our history such as Kierkegaard and Sarte were great advocates for existentialism as well.

Soren Aabye Kierkegaard was a philosopher, social critic, poet, theologian, along with a religious author (Burnham). He is also said to be the father of existentialism and had one of the biggest influences on education (Burnham). He wrote many novels including, Philosophical Fragments, Stages on Life’s way and even studied his topics before writing (Westphal). And with that being said he studied Christianity, free will, leap of faith, dread, and rationalism (Westphal). Kierkegaard believed that doing something is very different then truly knowing something. So, he entered the University of Copenhagen himself and finished an amazing study in philosophy (Westphal). Similarly, to Kierkegaard, Satre studied philosophy and partook in many changes in education.

Jean-Paul Sartre was a philosopher, play writer, along with a novelists (Burstow). He was also a philosophy advocate for existentialism (Burstow). The base behind existentialists states that good education is what highlights individuality in a person (Burstow). Sarte believed this and he also strongly believed in human choice along with freedom will (Educational Philosophies Definitions and Comparison Chart). Not only did he believe it he made it known by having his own famous saying in which he said, “Man is condemned to be free, because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give life a meaning (Quotes by Jean-Paul Sartre).” All in all, his quote has stayed with me through school and gave me a base of what to build from. And besides existentialism philosophy I personally believe in reconstruction philosophy as well.

Reconstruction philosophy states that social and political enactment of knowledge is the basis of education (Educational Philosophies Definitions and Comparison Chart). Reconstruction’s main principles is society, change, and new order (Educational Philosophies Definitions and Comparison Chart). Reconstructionist believe that individual’s curriculum shall be based upon social reform (Social-reconstructionist education). With that being said reconstruction philosophy means that student’s curriculum is based solely on society and our government (Social-reconstructionist education). And many of the great people in our history such as Freire and Giroux were great advocates for reconstruction.

Paulo Freire was a philosopher, educator, novelist and so much more (Dimitrov). He was also a philosophy advocate for reconstruction (Dimitrov). Freire believed that education was crucial to building an individual’s conscious in order for them to change and better their lives (Dimitrov). Freire not only believed but he aimed to liberate all individuals in many different aspects. The base behind reconstruction states that education should not be provided through one sided imposition (Social-reconstructionist education). Freire not only believed this, but he advocated for it like philosopher Giroux did.

Henry Armond Giroux was a philosopher, cultural critic, and scholar (Agrait). He was also a philosophy advocate for reconstruction (Agrait). Giroux believed that education should mold citizenship, courage, and critical learning (Agrait). He also once stated that media influences young minds and emphasizes its own form of education, this statement is something that I strongly believe in (Agrait). Our society cannot live without technology and young children are being affected by it every day. But it is also our duty as teachers to make sure that the information they are receiving from the media is factual.  

I know I have years to go to get to where I want to be and have the ability to have my own classroom. But I know that will hard work, dedication, and lots of patience I can reach my goal. At the end of the day existentialism and reconstruction philosophy fit perfectly with how I wish my own future classroom to run. With a mix of individuality and social reform I believe that any classroom can run smoothly and have the best chance of succession. The students will be able to create a strong teacher, student relationship with me along with learning to their best ability.