NPR - teacher / SLP related....admissions into grad program (HELP)

Hello Ladies!!

So, after applying to a Graduate program in Speech Pathology more than once and NOT getting accepted; I have decided to move on! It is extremely depressing and frustrating that I have an undergraduate degree in Speech; however, it is as good as a high school diploma without a Master's degree in the same field. I cannot emotionally handle anymore non-acceptance letters from these schools....that if you are in the feild, you know...how competative this is to get into!

So, I have until tomorrow to apply, get accepted, and register at Touro college in the Education / Special Education program. My appointment is at 11am. I just finished my Philosophy of Education and I was hoping you can read and critique it. This is my first attempt and I am not sure if this is what they are looking for. Thank you!!


My Philosophy of Education is quite simple. It is my belief that, through education, an individual will receive the vital skills and tools that are necessary to build a life that is successful and prosperous. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential emotionally, intellectually, and socially by providing an environment that is safe, open, and supportive. There are three elements that I believe are beneficial to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher “guiding” the student, (2) allowing the student’s interests to direct his/her learning, and (3) ensuring respect for all things and people.
When teachers provide access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the student’s search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. Providing student’s access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson, creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.
It is equally important to allow student’s the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one’s life and interests. When a curriculum is developed and/or modified around the student’s interests, it fosters genuine motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. Given the opportunity for student’s interest, student’s will generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.
Helping students to develop respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas. When each student is heard, the environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. I believe students have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them.
The classroom should be a place where students feel safe and eager to learn. All students should feel comfortable to speak their minds, ask questions, and engage in problem solving. To achieve this type of atmosphere, it is essential for the teacher to have excellent classroom management techniques. The teacher should be a positive role model and guide students to the source of information. Through an open sharing environment, student will learn the importance of respect. The teacher should demonstrate appropriate behavior to students by encouraging diversity and accepting differences. Students not only learn the subject matter being taught, they also learn from the teacher, and I think it is important that teachers are conscious of this.
For myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special into this world. Finally, it is my goal to tie learning into the community to help children become caring and active members of society.

Re: NPR - teacher / SLP related....admissions into grad program (HELP)

As a teacher, I think it's excellent. the only thing you might want to think about adding is perhaps why you want to work with students with special needs aince you are entering a special ed. masters and already have a degree in speech (many, many kids with IEP's also receive S/L services in addition to the academic support.

i think it's great...good luck to you!

Re: NPR - teacher / SLP related....admissions into grad program (HELP)

3rd paragraph.. "to allow student's the opportunity" did you mean Students?

Actually that paragraph in general i have issues with student's vs students. Such as "student's interests, student's will generate" I think at the least the second student's should be be students..

I had to read that last sentence twice to 'get' it.

Overall I think this is awesome and I wish more educators had your ideals!

Message edited 1/5/2010 5:37:46 PM.