After taking a survey to determine my philosophy of education, I found that I have an Essentialism mindset. My philosophy on education is to teach the critical core of information and skills that an educated person must have. The philosophy of essentialism is not focused so much on “truths” but what will help a student live a productive life today. Essentialism aims to teach students the essentials they need to live in the modern world. This philosophy is very practical. Students will focus on the core elective classes such as math, language, science and the arts. This will help them concentrate on the basics.

My philosophy on education has lots in common with the philosophy of perennialism, but is also different in a lot of ways. Perennialism teaches students to be critical thinkers. My philosophy aims to teach students the essentials they need to live in the modern world.  Unlike perennialism, essentialism values in the past, but is not captured by it. Essentialism sees the student as simply a learner. The philosophy does not focus much on the student themselves, the child is there to learn and accommodate the material whether it is the right way for them or not. This philosophy teaches students a lot about the evil’s of the world and how to overcome them.  

If I were teaching my future students with this philosophy I would focus a lot on basic skills in elementary school, and more disciplined knowledge in secondary schools. While I do agree that education is important and there to help prepare students for the world, I would still focus on the students needs and interests. I would still focus on this while practicing this certain philosophy because I believe that the overall method is good but the student still needs the attention and love that you can get in a classroom. Showing your students that you care more about just their education can help them be more motivated and work better in and outside of school.