Consolidation is not a term that you normally hear referring to the public education system. With the nation’s current economic situation, you hear many school officials talking about consolidating schools in order to save many. Consolidating schools would save the district money in operating costs, provide students with the same resources (extra curricular activities), and foster multicultural awareness. However, consolidating schools would also create larger class sizes, require some student to ride a bus an hour to and from school, and less opportunities for student to participate in extra curricular activities.
Consolidating schools would deviate me from my personal philosophy of education. As a future educator, I believe that being a good teacher differs from being an effective teacher. Effective teachers are the ones who know their subject areas, and they take the time to have that one-on-one connection with their students. Effective teachers are the ones who inspire students to eagerly learn and hopefully continue to further their education. I envision myself to be that effective teacher. In order to be that effective teacher, I will take that time to have a personal connection with my students, making myself available to assist them in anyway that I can. Personal integrity is a value that I will bring into my classroom. Children have enough people in their lives already lying and breaking promises to them everyday. Since school is supposed to be a safe “get-away” place for children to look forward to, I will be honest to my students and keep the promises that I make to them.
I personally believe that consolidating schools would create less opportunites for good teachers to become effective and/or master teachers.
