DON A. BOGARD

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

________________________________________________

My philosophy on education is reflective of the visions for educational excellence

held by the community and of those expectations demanded by a competitive world

economy. I take very seriously the responsibility to prepare young people for a

technological 21st century society. I believe it to be the responsibility of every school

employee to help make school a comfortable, safe, and fun place for young people to be

where they can learn and find success.

Graduates from school must be prepared to work and/or to continue their

education. I have a strong commitment to provide career awareness and guidance to

students from elementary through high school. I want students have the opportunity to

think about and explore a wide variety of career options so they are better prepared to

make informed career decisions when appropriate. I will strive to enable students to

realize their full potential and make maximum use of their individual talents in fulfilling

career and personal goals.

The work force of tomorrow will be shaped by the technologies being developed

today. Students today need accurate, interesting information on growing technologies in

order to make informed decisions about their futures. Workers of the future will

increasingly be expected to operate computers and programmable machinery and to

understand the technology they are using. It is imperative that students and teachers have

access to instructional tools and resources that will allow students to learn about,

experience, and become proficient with using technology. Being controlled or

intimidated by technology is unacceptable for our society as we, and our students, face

the challenges of the future.

I will put the needs of the students and teachers first. I will strive to focus and

organize all of the school’s educational programs and instructional efforts around clearly

defined outcomes that we want all students to demonstrate when they leave school.

I believe in the basic thrusts of the national educational movement, America 2000,

as well as the Oklahoma goal of “First By Twenty-First.” In order to meet these

challenges, students must be good problem solvers, critical thinkers, effective

communicators, collaborative workers, community contributors, effective users of

technology, and possibility thinkers. I will strive to plant a seed of desire for continuing

to learn throughout life and the importance lifelong learning will be to one’s career and

personal satisfaction. Of central focus, is the vital roll that good health and a fit body in

becoming a productive worker, being mentally and physically sharp, and in getting the

most out of life-at work, at leisure, and at home.

It is my philosophy that students should be challenged and that we should expect

them to act with dignity and integrity to perform quality work of which they are proud. I

hope that the following quote from the French author Appollinaire parallels my efforts to

help students set high expectations for them selves ~ ones that may even stretch beyond

what they think is possible.

“Come to the edge,” he said.They said, “We are afraid.”

“Come to the edge,” he said.They came.

He pushed them…and they flew.