Teaching

Teaching Philosophy Statement
“Teaching is the highest form of understanding.”
                                                                                                            Aristotle (385 BC-322 BC)

Educational Philosophy: Guiding Principles

I believe that education plays a pivotal role in shaping human lives, a belief that aligns closely with the “whole person approach” first articulated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his seminal work Emile, or On Education. Rousseau argued that to help students reach their full potential, education must be holistic, addressing the intellectual, emotional, and physical dimensions of the individual. I find this perspective highly relevant in today’s world for several reasons, two of which I outline below:

First, in today’s increasingly interconnected world, a strong foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics alone may no longer be sufficient for lifelong success. I believe it is essential to provide opportunities for students to cultivate aesthetic sensitivity, particularly through the arts, including music. This kind of education has the power to elevate students’ lives from mere survival to purposeful living.

Second, the “whole person approach” also underscores the importance of developing students in three key domains: cognitive (thinking), psychomotor (physical), and affective (emotional). This idea was eloquently captured by the Swiss educator Jean Heinrich Pestalozzi, who coined the famous “Three Hs” motto—Learning by Head, Hands, and Heart. Music, with its inherently holistic nature, offers a unique opportunity to engage all three domains in a balanced and integrated way. This is why I am deeply committed to teaching music as an essential component of a well-rounded education.

Finally, I am dedicated to providing the highest quality education to my students, which is why I continuously invest time and effort into my professional development. I strive to stay current with the best educational practices, not only in my field of expertise but across the educational landscape. Additionally, I am passionate about promoting equality and justice in education, and I actively contribute my time and expertise to initiatives that advance these values.