My philosophy of education is based on one, valuable experience I had within the classroom.  I was given the opportunity to be a substitute teacher within my subject area of Family and Consumer Science.  I held the position for a one-month time frame and, in the process, was involved in many teaching situations.  Up until this job opportunity, I had never been involved in a classroom environment, in which I was in control.  Through this experience I was enabled to instruct a classroom, incorporate lesson plans, utilize learning styles, and assess aptitude.  Along with the standard performances, I was also exposed to cultural and social diversity and various learner needs.  The decision to apply for this job opportunity was just the confirmation I needed to proceed.  The desire to help, motivate, and lead high school students has always been a priority of mine, however, the anxieties of my lack of classroom experience were there as well.  Through this field experience, I have come away with an even stronger desire to work with adolescents, as well as new strategies to meet individual needs.  I feel confident that I, as an educator, can provide a productive learning environment through assistance in learnersí intellectual, social, and physical development.