Revisiting My Philosophy of Education: Challenges of Teaching English in Puerto Rico
Introduction This image was created using the Dall-E AI image generator based on my essay on Revisiting My Philosophy of Education . In 2011, when I was still studying to become an English teacher at the Faculty of Education, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus (UPR-RP), I drafted my Philosophy of Education. 13 years later, in 2024, I still stand by that vision, but I find myself rethinking how to apply it because I feel that systemic forces beyond my control prevent me from carrying it out. These obstacles make me question whether I am truly providing my students with the tools to thrive or whether I am unintentionally forcing them into learning in a way that is disconnected from their realities. Back then, I thought of education as a liberating force that empowers individuals to forge their paths, open their minds, understand how the world works, question the status quo, and change it if they wish. This vision has guided my teaching practice. It is rooted in my belief in de...