“Education is not to be viewed as something like filling a vessel with water but, rather, assisting a flower to grow in its own way” ― Bertrand Russell (Russell, 1985)

This quote discusses my view on what teaching should be. This quote involves the notion of the teacher playing the role of a facilitator, catering to the needs of one’s students allowing them to learn, grow and form their own beliefs and values about the world around them. This quote also discusses providing students with the materials and environment needed to encourage their learning, at a pace achievable for them, allowing them to discover and form their own conclusions on topics provided. This quote also touches on the notion of UDL and DI as it mentions allowing students to grow in their “own way”, which is crucial in regards to teaching. (Russell, 1985) I think this is important in education because every child that comes into my classroom will be different and that means they will grow differently. As a teacher, I think it is my job to find out the best way my students learn and to assist them in their journey by providing the materials, questions, and assignments necessary.

 I will implement this philosophy into my classroom by asking questions that encourage my students to critically think about the material and by providing them with various perspectives to allow them to gain critical thinking skills to independently make decisions and conclusions. I will also implement this philosophy by taking the time to learn what my students are interested in and cater my lessons to these interests when possible to allow them to gain the knowledge they will use and actually want to learn. Adapting to my future students’ independent and various needs to the best of my ability will provide students with the tools needed to grow in their own way.Â