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Core Values in Education: An Education Specialist Perspective
Monica Gibson
School of Education: EDS in Curriculum and Instructions
Liberty University
The heart of a great teacher's approach goes beyond just the lessons they deliver; it’s
rooted in the values that steer them every day. As an Education Specialist (EDs.) student
specializing in curriculum and instruction, I’ve realized that the essence of teaching isn’t solely
about the content we cover, but also about the methods we use and the learning atmosphere
we foster. It’s a bit like constructing a house: you can have the most amazing blueprint, but if
the foundation isn’t solid, everything can come crashing down. For me, that foundation rests on
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five essential values: empathy, equity, collaboration, adaptability, and a profound respect for
learning. These aren’t just random ideals; they’re the fundamental principles that will guide my
work and, hopefully, positively impact the lives of the students I have the privilege to teach.
Empathy is my first core value, and it’s a significant one. This value goes beyond merely
feeling sorry for a student who’s having a rough day. It’s about genuinely trying to understand
their perspective and see the world through their eyes. Picture a seven-year-old struggling to
grasp a math concept, or an eight-year-old acting out due to issues at home. Without empathy,
you might just view them as a student who isn’t trying hard enough or a child who’s being
disruptive. But with empathy, you recognize a child who could be feeling frustrated, scared, or
overwhelmed. This understanding prompts teachers to ask different questions: What’s really
happening here? How can I assist? How can I make this less overwhelming? This shift in
perspective benefits both the student and the teacher. Rather than merely managing behavior,
empathy allows me to address needs, which is a transformative approach for creating a safe and
supportive classroom. Research indicates that teachers who practice empathy can enhance
students’ mental health and academic engagement (Derakhshan, 2022). When students feel
acknowledged and understood, they’re more susceptible to take risks, seek help, and engage
with their learning. From my experience with students, I've learned that what they really want is
someone who genuinely cares about them. That sense of safety and connection is the key to
helping them get back on track, both academically and emotionally.
Equity plays a crucial role in understanding and demonstrating effective education. Many
people mix up equity and equality, but they’re actually quite different. Equality means giving
everyone the same resources, no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. On the other
hand, equity is about ensuring that everyone gets what they need to succeed. In a classroom
setting, this can look different for each student. For instance, valuing equity means recognizing
that every child arrives at school with their own unique experiences, strengths, and challenges.
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Some may require more one-on-one attention, while others might benefit from different
materials or alternative ways to express their knowledge and learning. Equity is all about
customizing our teaching and resources to meet each student’s individual needs. It’s about
fairness, not by treating everyone exactly the same, but by providing the specific support that
will help them flourish. This is especially vital as we tackle the learning losses and disparities
that have emerged in recent years (Robinson, 2022). It involves being aware of factors like
cultural backgrounds, home environments, and learning differences, ensuring that our
curriculum and teaching methods don’t unintentionally leave anyone behind. It’s a big
responsibility, but one that’s absolutely necessary.
Each week, as I put together my lesson plans, I love incorporating a variety of texts for
our read-alouds and independent reading. As an equitable teacher, I make sure my students
have access to different genres of texts that match their reading levels. This approach supports
those who struggle with reading by offering materials that are more accessible and often
include visuals to boost comprehension and fluency. For my faster readers, I provide more
complex texts on the same topics for enrichment. The goal is to create an inclusive learning
environment where every student can thrive.
I've come to appreciate just how crucial collaboration is in the world of education. You
might have heard the saying, “It takes a village,” and it rings especially true for us educators. As
noted by Balong et al. (2024), the values instilled by teachers play a significant role in
elementary education across all subjects. We’re not in this alone; it takes a diverse team
working together around shared values. We collaborate with fellow teachers, administrators,
and, most importantly, the parents and students themselves. I truly believe in fostering open
collaboration and communication, where everyone’s voice is acknowledged and valued. While
teachers often engage in basic collaboration, like sharing resources, deeper professional
collaboration, such as team-teaching, is less frequent (Koškin, Leijen & Pedaste, 2024). That’s
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why we need to embrace collaboration at every level to provide the best education for our
students. My colleagues and I actively exchange ideas, celebrate each other’s successes, and
support one another through challenges. As a leader, I’m committed to nurturing this culture
and discovering new, innovative ways to inspire our students. This value extends to parents as
well. A family’s perspective on their child is invaluable, and we should view parents as partners,
not just as people we meet during conferences. When we join forces, we can gain a clearer
understanding of a student’s needs and determine the best ways to support them, both at
school and at home.
One value that has really taken on a new level of importance for me is adaptability. The
world is constantly changing, and our education system needs to keep pace. A lot of what we
learned a decade ago might not even be relevant today. An educator who clings to the same old
lesson plans year after year just won’t be as effective as someone who’s willing to shake things
up. Being adaptable means committing to lifelong learning. It’s about being open to new
research, embracing new technology, and exploring fresh perspectives on how kids learn. As an
adaptive teacher, I strive to show my readiness for change and my eagerness to try new and
improved methods in our classroom, even if it feels a bit daunting. For example, if I notice a
group of students struggling with certain concepts, it’s my job to change our learning approach.
In those moments, I look for new activities to adjust the lesson and find a different way to
engage them. Collie et al. (2024) emphasizes how crucial teacher adaptability is for successfully
navigating new challenges in the classroom. This kind of flexibility is a hallmark of great
teaching, demonstrating to students that it’s perfectly okay to try, stumble, and try again. It’s all
about being agile and ready to adjust our course when the winds of change blow.
Respect is about fostering an environment where every individual—students, teachers,
staff, and parents—feels acknowledged and valued. It involves actively listening to one another
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and ensuring that, despite any disagreements, everyone is treated with dignity. A leader who
embodies respect cultivates trust, and trust is the glue that binds a school community together.
When people feel respected, they’re more inclined to open up, share their ideas, and
collaborate. This applies to students as well. When a student feels respected by their teacher
and peers, they’re more likely to engage and take risks. It’s a fundamental value that shapes the
entire school culture. This is a core principle in our classroom, and we emphasize it in everything
we do.
These five values, empathy, equity, collaboration, adaptability, and respect for learning
are my guides for the work that’s ahead. They’re not just concepts; they’re the foundation for
how I plan to craft lessons, run my classroom, and connect with every student who steps
through my door. I truly believe that a curriculum infused with empathy will help me better
understand my students, while an approach grounded in equity will ensure that each one of
them has a fair chance to succeed. If I can embody respect and foster an environment where
trust and rapport thrive in our learning journey, then I’ll know I’ve done my job well. “For
physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both
the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV). As I grow in my role as an educator,
I’ll lean on these values to dig deeper, reflect on my own practices, and recognize the potential
in every child.
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References
Collie, R. J., Granziera, H., Martin, A. J., & Caldecott-Davis, K. (2024).
Adaptability and buoyancy: Investigating their unique associations with students’
wellbeing and academic achievement. Educational Psychology, 44(8), 1-19.
Derakhshan, A. (2022). Exploring the role of teacher empathy in student mental
health outcomes: A comparative SEM approach to understanding the
complexities of emotional support in educational settings. Journal of Applied
Learning and Teaching, 5(1), 1-15.
Koškin, K., Leijen, Ä., & Pedaste, M. (2024). From zero collaboration to teamwork:
Forms of teacher collaboration and factors that support or hinder it.
Education Sciences, 14(1), 87.
Robinson, J. (2022). Strengthening the federal approach to educational equity
during the pandemic. Harvard Journal on Legislation, 59(1), 1-27.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13617672.2022.2158018
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