Running Head: PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Professional Educational Philosophy

Miriam Meza

Northern Illinois University

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

My Professional Educational Philosophy is looked through a Pluralist Multiculturalist lens.

This lens navigates the world and approaches diversity and multiculturalism as a celebration of

difference. Kincheloe and Steinberg (1997) define this lens as, aware of the difference among

individuals and focus on the difference rather than the sameness (Kincheloe, 1997). My role as

a responsible citizen of this global community, a professional in Higher Education and an

individual who identifies with multiculturalism, is to be an advocate for issues around social

justice. As an advocate and ally, my responsibilities include addressing marginalization and hate

crimes, embracing the diversity among us, educating those whom lack diverse knowledge and

challenging the preconceived notions established by society.

My values and competencies are focused on professional responsibility and competence,

student learning and development, and responsibility to society (American College Personnel

Association). I have approached these competencies through my various roles and continue to

develop my competencies. I have educated myself around issues of diversity and social justice

through classes, trainings, engaging in conversations with those around me, and eagerness to

learn more.

Professional responsibility and competence adheres to the commitment to further my

knowledge around issues of diversity to increase my level of competency, educate those around

me, advocate for students and be mindful about my personal and professional practice.

Kincheloe and Steingberg state, As is monitors the dominant culture from below, critical

multiculturalism provides a picture of power from the perspective of the oppressed a

subjugated knowledge of power (Kincheloe, 1997). I seek opportunities to further my

knowledge and understanding around issues of diversity by attending conferences, partaking in

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

programs such as the Ally program and enrolling in classes. I educate those around me about

ways to be inclusive, mindful of language and advocate for students who are oppressed and

marginalized to have a voice.

Student learning and development is a continuous journey as a student affairs professional.

The daily interactions with students are all opportunities to provide a learning experience and

further develop the student. I approach this competency by providing learning opportunities

from events that I have planned, workshops I facilitate, and encourage collaborations with

diverse groups, organizations or individuals. I challenge students thinking by questioning the

reasons for their decisions, provide a different mindset and give autonomy with advice all while

in a mutually respected environment. The most important way to provide student learning and

development is to build relationships with students in order to provide an educative environment

among one another.

The competency I take the most to heart is the responsibility to society. My responsibility to

be an ally and advocate around issues of diversity and social justice upholds in and out of my

professional role. American College Personnel Association (ACPA) states in regards to

professionals in Higher Education, a responsibility to contribute to the improvement of the

communities in which they live and work and to act as advocates for social justice for members

of those communities. They respect individuality and individual differences (American College

Personnel Association). It is important for everyone to celebrate the multiculturalism in our

campuses, communities and world. We should value and appreciate the differences among us

and educate ourselves about diversity. There should be a challenge to preconceived notions,

promote inclusion and be advocates for issues around social justice.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

References

American College Personnel Association (n.d.). Equity and Inclusion Statement. Retrieved from

http://www.myacpa.org/equity-and-inclusion-statement

American College Personnel Association. (n.d.). Statement of Ethical Principles& Standards.

Retrieved from

http://www.myacpa.org/sites/default/files/Ethical_Principles_Standards.pdf

Kincheloe, J., & Steinberg, S. (1997). Changing multiculturalism. Buckingham [England: Open

University Press.