“The role of the Stoic teacher was to encourage his (Epictetus’s) students to live the philosophic life, whose end was eudaimonia (‘happiness’ or ‘flourishing’), to be secured by living the life of reason, which – for Stoics – meant living virtuously and living ‘according to nature’” (Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Epictetus, Discourses 1.6.15, 3.1.25 and 3.16.15)
This quote emphasizes the role of the Stoic teacher in encouraging students to live a philosophic life, ultimately aiming for eudaimonia, or flourishing, through living virtuously and in harmony with nature. In Stoicism, the emphasis is placed on aligning one’s actions and thoughts with the natural order of the universe, cultivating reason and virtue to overcome life’s many challenges. This philosophy deeply resonates with my own, which is rooted in a holistic and naturalistic approach that places a profound emphasis on nurturing the whole individual within nature. It recognizes that learning extends far beyond the confines of a classroom, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and intellectual elements. My educational philosophy celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, fostering a deep sense of ecological consciousness and respect for the natural world. It encourages students to engage in experiential learning, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with the rhythms of nature to gain a profound understanding of life’s interconnectedness. Furthermore, my educational philosophy prioritizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, nurturing not only academic excellence but also the personal and moral growth of learners, ultimately preparing them to be active, responsible, and compassionate members of their local communities and the global community. All of these elements are extremely significant to me as a teacher. I believe that these qualities are vital to success in both academic and professional life and I will strive to ensure that my students have the necessary tools to think critically and creatively, as well as possess the empathy and understanding to interact with others in a positive and meaningful way.
To implement this philosophy in my classroom, I will focus on creating opportunities for my students to develop a sense of sustainability and respect for the environment by taking them outside to learn from the land as much as possible and encouraging them to critically reflect on their observations and experiences. This will give them the capacity to consider how their actions align with nature and contribute to both their own well-being and the well-being of the environment. I will also connect their learning with First Peoples Principles of Learning such as learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place). This principle reflects the Indigenous perspectives that “everything is interconnected, that education is not separate from the rest of life, and relationships are vital” (Jo Chrona). Through the integration of First Peoples Principles of Learning and Stoic principles of living in harmony with nature into experiential learning activities, I hope to empower students to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a profound appreciation of how all living things are interconnected.