Virtual Friends School

 Judy:PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Each child is a truly unique individual and should be treated as such.  Each child has been given strengths and weaknesses.  It is important that we as educators help each child to develop and build upon his/her talents.  At the same time, it is equally important that we help each child to understand and try to overcome his/her weaknesses.
One should always consider and work with the whole child.  This means that not only should teachers be concerned with and interested in the academic side of a child, but that they also must consider the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of the child.
Also each child is entitled to the best education possible.  This means that a teacher must find the level at which a child is working, start at that level, and then take the child as far in his/her learning as possible.  One can do this in a variety of ways.  An educator must keep informed of the new theories being developed in learning techniques and using the ones that seem appropriate to his/her situation.  Also the teacher needs to be aware of the different ways in which children learn and then try to find methods of teaching that will encompass as many different styles as possible.
Children need to learn to do creative problem solving in an environment that is free of violence.  They need to know and understand how to talk through a problem so that everyone involved feels comfortable with the decision.  This can only be accomplished through practice.  The classroom becomes a good avenue for this process.   The process can then grow and spread throughout the whole school.   Active participation in solving a problem brings ownership and commitment to the solution.


Tom: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Teaching is what the student does. The major role of teaching, especially at the secondary level, thus becomes an engaging of the student in the process of learning.  Can the teacher take the blame or credit for whatever the student does? Obviously not, however, if students are not engaged in some way in the learning, then no learning occurs and by the definition no teaching occurs.   

The major role of one who administers is "to serve" teachers and students who are engaged in the learning/teaching process within the context of the school and community.  A curriculum developer works to provide the framework and resources for the teaching that occurs in explicit and implicit ways in the school. Administration that focuses on the engagement of students in the learning process is best able to provide the faculty with needed resources and support.
 
From the beginning of my career I have sought to understand not only the content of the curriculum and how to present it but, of at least equal importance at the secondary level and possibly of more importance at the earlier levels, I have sought to understand the student as an individual with unique learning styles, development, interests, motivation, intelligence, personality types, etc.  Moreover, I have sought to share this information and implications with the faculty, who themselves are students, with whom I have worked. 

As a teacher, whether of high school students, other teachers, or my friends, it has been important for me to be a student of what and whom I am teaching.  The paradox of student as teacher and teacher as student provides a powerful dynamic that encourages the student and teacher to become engaged with each other and with the material with which they both are dealing.

As an administrator, counselor, observer, or friend, it has been important for me to learn the context of the school, the faculty, and the students both in terms of persons and as resources.  From that involvement I can assist others in building a framework in a collaborative format that provides for decisions that are rational and personal.

As a student, I have not lost my interest in comprehending science, experiencing religious differences, contemplating greater issues, being compassionate, caring for others, and participating in a myriad of other activities that I enjoy.  Even with all of these, my most valued interests are my family and the desire to understand how individuals, especially adolescents, learn and how they can best be helped to become engaged in the learning process.

Principles of a Friends Education

To be added

Who We Are