"What you learn in childhood is carved on stone; what you learn in old age is carved on ice."
--Armenian proverb, from the book The Road from Home: the Story of an Armenian Girl by former California State University at Fresno Professor David Kherdian
My Philosophy--Six Great Ideas
Mortimer J. Adler, philosopher--Twentieth Century American philosopher Mortimer J. Adler wrote a book in 1981, in which he outlined Six Great Ideas by which humans live their lives. His work, Six Great Ideas was and still is often used in advanced placement English classes in many high schools around the country, as well as many entry-level philosophy classes in colleges and universities. The advent of the Twenty-first Century brought about a recent and more complete list of 103 Great Ideas (click here to see Adler Link), but the concept that living one's life can be narrowed down to a handful of simple, yet incredibly powerful ideas lives on. Adler's original Six Great Ideas were the following (in alphabetical order): Beauty, Equality, Goodness, Justice, Liberty, and Truth. Hardly anyone can argue that these are at least among the noblest of ideas, but in my profession and in my role of educating "the whole child," including that child's character, I propose that there are Six Great Ideas that are appropriate for developing the character of the upper-elementary age child.
Brian S. Lees, teacher--My Six Great Ideas for the children I teach are the following (in order of significance to me):
1) HONOR--It is my belief that a code of honor supercedes all other ideas. Without it, the ideas lose some of their meaning or functionality. A sense of honor in all we do should govern all of our actions, endeavors, or beliefs. And since being honorable is definitely considered by most to be a highly desirable trait, and the pursuit of honor or honorable acts is by mere definition among the highest honors in and of itself, then honor must be the among the noblest and greatest of ideas. It is my hope that your child will seek his or her own code of honor that will be comprised of the ideas of truth, kindness, respect, responsibility, and the art of being a lady or gentleman. The saying "on my honor" used to mean something; it still should.
2) EQUITY--It is my belief that everyone must be given the same opportunities to succeed, to learn and to grow. This differs from Adler's idea of "Equality," in which everyone might be treated exactly the same. Sometimes, in order to give everyone the same opportunities and to "level the playing field," we can't give everyone the exact same "cookie cutter" approach. Never is this more true than in elementary education, where differentiation of instruction is so vital to providing each child the same opportunities to grow and learn, regardless of ability level. It is essential that all children be given the opportunities to learn, even if they don't learn or achieve at the same level or same rate as someone else; as long as they know they have the opportunity to pursue their own learning, then equity has been achieved.
3) EMPATHY--It is my belief that so many of the world's problems (even on a local level) could be solved or have been prevented if people had more empathy. It is alarming to see more and more stories about children harming, disrespecting, and discouraging others for selfish or wanton means. Teaching children to see things through the eyes of others and trying to understand their perspectives, feelings, or needs is of vital importance to producing empathetic adults. This differs from "sympathy," in that we are not encouraging children to take pity on one another and feel sorry for others, but rather to build a healthy understanding and respect for one another by putting ourselves "in someone else's shoes for a while."
4) LOYALTY--It is my belief that this is one of the more emotionally powerful ideas possible, and one that is so noble that it definitely belongs in the aforementioned "code of honor," for not much else can be more honorable than sticking with someone through the good and the bad. The children I teach have a tendency to sever friendships and dissolve trust too easily, phenomena which lead to "cliques" and isolation or other behavioral disorders in middle school and beyond. It is my hope that these children will learn the value of strengthening bonds and staying true to one another no matter what kinds of outside forces might be telling them otherwise; it is in this way, we hope they will learn at least some resistance to the enormous peer pressures yet to follow in their future school careers.
5) REDEMPTION--It is my belief that if we adhere to the four preceding great ideas, this fifth idea should naturally follow; that is, if we are honorable, equitable, empathetic, and especially loyal, we will recognize that we all make mistakes, allow others to make them, and encourage growth and learning through the art of redeeming one's self. I firmly believe in the power of redemption, the ability to turn one's self and one's life around, and therefore in the hope that children heading in the wrong direction can, with the proper guidance and assistance, turn things around and redeem themselves in the process. My years of experience in teaching have yielded many success stories that support and validate this concept; my hope is to have many more.
6) INDUSTRIOUSNESS (otherwise known as "Work Ethic")--It is my belief that all of the above can be accomplished and will only be accomplished through very hard work. Although it sometimes leads to less than pleasant sacrifices, nothing is a suitable substitute for hard work, and the rewards it pays in the long run are quite substantial. I am a living testimonial of this; I am what I am purely through my unconquerable work ethic. It is my hope that your child will not only see this modeled for them through the various fine role models at this school, but will also internalize this and take this idea with them wherever they go, always remembering to "work hard and play hard" in everything they do.
My Educational Philosophy Statement--Education is important in our society because it brings out the capabilities latent in a person. Education is the key to unlocking the world's great secrets and mysteries about life and is a never-ending, dynamic process, no matter how difficult and painful or easy and enjoyable one's education might be. Teaching is so important because it is a means by which the necessary knowledge and information is imparted to others so that they might learn. Teaching should always reflect enthusiasm and interest in the education of young people, effectiveness in assessing and providing for individual needs, and a dedication to and very real concern for the physical, social, emotional, and academic development of children.
As an educator, I would like to accomplish several specific goals. First, I will provide a positive role model to young people as they mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Secondly, I will stimulate thought, develop creative ability, and respond sensitively to possible problem situations. Thirdly, I will facilitate the inclusion of ALL individuals, regardless of their race, sex, religion, cultural heritage, or mental and physical ability through flexibility, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and creativity. Finally, I will impart knowledge to students effectively by allowing them to seek and work out possible solutions to any problem they might face, and to provide the loving and understanding guidance they need to meet their objectives in a positive, all-inclusive learning environment.
I am a teacher for several reasons. I believe that all children can learn something, and that all children can be reached in one way or another. I have the talent, flexibility, and creativity to teach and the ability to enjoy teaching, even in the face of adversity. I believe that being the agent that initiates the learning process is very exciting, and witnessing the learning process in young minds is a source of joy for all to behold. I believe that as a teacher, I will also grow, learn, and mature from the experiences with my students, which is an enriching concept that will surely enhance my own life as well as those of others. Most of all, I love children because they are the future of our world, and to play such a directly integral role in that future is the most honorable and noble cause that exists.
SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER: Our school and our district teaches, reinforces, and abides by six traits of character known as the character pillars. They are the following: TRUSTWORTHINESS, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, FAIRNESS, CARING, and CITIZENSHIP. Because of my musical background, our school counselor, Mardi Johnson, handed me a copy of a "Pillar Rap" and asked if I could "do something with it" for students to perform by the end of the year. On May 27, 2005, our class, along with our second buddies from Mrs. Fedo's class unveiled and performed the "Pillar Rap" for the first time at that week's Friday Flag ceremony. We also performed a special encore of the "Pillar Rap" at the following week's Friday Flag (June 3rd), with the rest of the student body invited to join in.
To download and hear an MP3 file version of the "Pillar Rap," RIGHT CLICK with your mouse on the following link, select "Save Target As" from the menu, and then click "Save" (you will need Windows Media Player to play the file): "The Pillar Rap." What follows are the lyrics to the "Pillar Rap":
"THE PILLAR RAP"
words: unknown
music: B. S. Lees
(INTRO--2 bars of drums only, 2 bars with synth loop and drums)
Now everyone...are you ready for this?
It's time to recap...the pillars of six.
The teachers are here to make it all clear.
So listen to them...they're glad you're here.
So open your ears...and remember these clues.
Actions speak loud...for the things that you do.
Character counts...in the human race.
So let's make this world...a better place.
Pillar number one...TRUSTWORTHINESS
The more you give...the more you want less.
In order to live...a life that's full,
Be honest...loyal...and reliable.
OK it's time...for pillar number two:
Do unto others as you'd have them...do unto you.
RESPECT'S the word...for this Golden Rule
At home, at play...even at school.
Now pillar number three comes without delay.
For duty, accountability...every day
Getting things done so those will see
That's the pillar...you know...RESPONSIBILITY!
We hear it all the time...so let's clear the air.
We whine, we argue..."Oh, that ain't fair!"
Just remember to be...and share equally.
FAIRNESS is the word...and that's the key.
There are many things that money can't buy.
LOVE...is priceless...it'll put a tear in your eye.
Pillar number five...for CARE and concern
For help and for love...say "thanks" in return.
Now be a good citizen and be a good neighbor.
Take a look at your friends...and do them a favor.
Play by the rules for authority and the law.
Hey...Pillar number six...for CITIZENSHIP!
(CUT synth loop here for emphasis)
To Rap it all up...oh pardon the pun!
We hope you've all learned and had a little fun.
Take what we've said...take it all to heart.
Live by the Pillars and always DO...YOUR...PART!
DO...YOUR...PART!
DO...YOUR...PART!
(FADE OUT drums)
Brian S. Lees
Morning Creek
Elementary School
Poway Unified School District
10925 Morning Creek Drive South
San Diego CA 92128
(858)748-4334 (ext. 2121)