Personally, my own philosophy relates most with essentialism.  I think that teachers do need to be the leaders of the classroom and decide what the lesson plans should be.  Students are still learning and are in no place to decide what they need to learn.  The core curriculum classes should be taught to every student while the mind is still young and growing.  These classes provide a basis to all greater learning.  Students should all be given the same background in education, then later decide what they would like to further study.  They should decide their field of study once they have experienced all the main subjects of education and have be able to get a feel for what each subject involves.

    The goal of education as a teacher is to help students succeed and discover who they are as a learner. Teachers must always remember they do not teach math, science, or english— teachers teach students. An education should give students a thorough understanding of many different subjects.  Having an education will give students an advantage in the work field.  They can use their education to help them decide which direction they would like to further study.  Getting an education in one central area will give students the advantage over uneducated competing applicants.

    To me, teaching means getting students to learn and remember the information, not memorize it.  Teaching means encouraging students to enjoy learning and make them want to learn.  If students do not remember the information a week after a test or quiz, then the teacher is not doing their job correctly.  Teaching should give students a complete understanding of the content so that one day they are able to remember and expand upon what they have learned.

    Understanding my personal philosophy of education will help guide my teaching and planning skills in the future.  I plan to always lead the classroom.  With math, it is often very difficult to read a text book and teach yourself.  As a result, I will be there as the teacher to explain the material thoroughly.  I do believe that some group activity is essential, especially with difficult math problems, but working out problems alone is just as important.  I will plan out what the students will learn, then I will teach it to my students and be there for any questions over the material.