Jasmine Thomas
Modern Educational Theory
10/6/09

I want and need to preface this “position paper” with a few thoughts.
Thought 1: The ideas and opinions that are found in these pages should lie within all classrooms.
Thought 2: The fact that I am a seventeen year old enrolled in a class called Modern Educational theory and have been asked to write about my vision of school should not be my reality.
My reality and the reality of my peers should lie in the realm of organic expression of the self. This idea of school that I have been asked to write about should not only welcome but also expect for young minds to express themselves in ways that are rational, irrational, traditional, and progressive.

I suppose as I write this paper I will convey ideas that seem ultra liberal and progressive but in reality they are ideas and ideals that support teaching the whole student. The idea of caring for a student as an individual first and student second allows for a student to feel as though they are valued not for their academic ability but their true existence in a community. In order for a community to cater to the individual being of both student and teacher both parties must understand that a relationship that embodies reciprocity in terms of trust, responsibility, collaboration, and encouragement is needed. The purpose of these ideals that I speak of allows for an individual to interact in a community and in a larger sense teaches a person how to communicate in the “world”.

As far as I can tell I have not mentioned how this school I speak of would look like. It has not been mentioned because when it truly comes down to it students don’t need to walk the halls of buildings. Students need to walk through these ideas and be able to empower themselves with them in order to understand that life and the real purpose of school should be to teach one that the individual is a student of life.  
This idea of school that I speak about teaches to the student. This idea empowers and challenges the ideas of the individuals of a community. What purpose would such a school serve? This idea of school is not producing doctors, policemen, or nutritionist but something more. This idea of school, that I have really only scratched the surface of, serves to shape and enlighten individuals. Discovering a passion and parts of the self both are an essential aspects of “my vision”.

If these ideals and ideas that I so strongly believe found their way into the pedagogical practices of every educator then maybe, just maybe school would be regarded as a safe place to revel in the struggles and successes of life. Maybe, just maybe students would walk away feeling deeply connected and empowered by a community that viewed them as essential.