Philosophy of Education

I went on Amazon.com earlier today-you'd think I'd know better by now not to go on that site unless I am looking to spend money (which I'm not). But the deed is already done and I purchased two books I've been eyeing for a little while. I'm sure I'll blog about the books at another time, but as I was looking at other books to keep in mind for future spending sprees, it occured to me the books I purchase say a lot about my education philosophy. Now what really fascinates me about this topic is how many people, teachers and administrators alike, think I'm talking about teaching style whenever I mention education philosophy. Of course, I am not. I don't care if you walk around strumming a guitar while you teach, if your desks are in a circle or a rectangle, if you're a major prankster or seriously...serious. The big question is why do you do the things you do? What do you believe in? Who are you and why do you teach? I mentioned Parker Palmer's book The Courage to Teach in an earlier posting and those are the types of questions he asks-probing where I think most of us don't want to be probed. But it's worth it. I urge those of you in the classroom to start probing yourself-question everything, but mostly question your philosophy of education before others decide for you who you are, as well as what and how you should be teaching. Howl On.