In education, Essentialism and Progressivism have been in conflict for centuries. Essentialism emphasizes the vital, or essential, knowledge and skills that productive citizens should have, rather than simply requiring students to learn a set of external truths or facts. William C. Bagley (1874-1946), the founder of Essentialistic Education Society and author of Education and the Emergent Man (1934), believed that “progressive” education damages the intellectual and moral standards of students. He believed that while educators should promote students' interest in subjects, students should learn the importance of duty and discipline in completing their studies. Within a systematic program of studies and activities, the Essentialist believes that teacher-initiative is necessary to guide and direct the young learners toward organized cultural experiences. The Essentialist recognizes the unique abilities of each student and stresses the significance of differential lesson plans that best meet the academic needs of each child (spu.edu/online/essentialism_in_ed.htm).
My philosophy of education is based on an essential or fundamental orientation, rather than on Progressivism. Since an educational leader is a pillar in any society, I do believe that I have an ethical responsibility to fulfill my duties to God and to His children for the general welfare of all in society. Thus,
- I believe that a sound education (knowledge) is the key to building and sustaining a healthy society and that educators are vital agents that help shape future generations.
- I believe that the classroom is a place for training students’ minds, not just to find employment to meet a particular standard of living, but to teach children how to become both principled and productive contributors to society.
- I believe that what is planted in the minds and spirits of the children today will be the fruits that will manifest themselves tomorrow-whether these fruits will be bitter or sweet.
- I believe that while students must take personal responsibility for their learning, educators are significantly responsible for what is formed (created) in the minds of our youth.
- I believe that an effective teacher does not merely share a systematic set of lessons that are cataloged by facts, events, or rules; instead, the best educators seek to attain, understand, and diligently plant into the minds of students the timeless universal principles and wisdom that govern human existence and experiences.
- I believe in a well-structured curriculum with a meaningful content that will guide students to rational and purposeful thought.
- In the attempt to evaluate ideas and assumptions, I believe that it is important to seek time-proven truths.
- I believe that a quality education for all students is foundational to personal and organizational success on all levels.
- I believe that the timeless truths and principles set forth in the Hebrew Bible are worthy of consideration in public, as well as in private, academic curricula.
My Experience
Wilma Joyce Fonville Whitaker Brown-Foreman
WORK EXPERIENCE
Secondary English Teacher (43+ Years of Experience)
Surry County School Board
2/1978 – 9/2007
Sussex County School Board
9/2007 – 6/2013
New Bridge Christian Academy - Sandston, VA
2013 – 2015
Brunswick County Public Schools
2016 – 2019
Testing Administrator
Pearson Inc (2012-2013)
Writing Specialist (SAT and ACT Instructor)
Huntington Learning Center - Chester, VA 2016 - present
EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Local, state and national workshop/seminar presenter:
(presented workshops to educators across the country, including two workshops hosted at Liberty University (2002); four annual VATE conferences (Virginia Association for Teachers of English) 2000-2001, 2006, 2017; CEAI director's meeting (Christian Educators Association International) 2002 in Pasadena, CA; 2003 in Los Angeles, CA; 2004 in West Palm Beach, FL).
- Served six years as Christian Education Department's State Director of the Virginia State
- Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., a youth auxiliary formed by sixteen local churches.
- State Director for Christian Educators Association International (2002-2004).
- Licensed as Ordained Minister (Pastoral Ministry, 1966- Aenon Bible College of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World-Indianapolis, IN).
- Founder and Pastor of the Sanctuary of God Apostolic Church and Logion Bible Institute in Prince George, VA. (1992-2020)
- Received a personal Invitation to the White House's first national faith based initiatives conference in June 2004 (personal appearance and commendations to the group from President Bush in recognition of our Logion Bible Institute program) .
- October 2006 - awarded the Virginia Association of Teachers of English Heritage Award for Advancing Cultural Awareness
- January 2007 - published article in the professional education magazine Teachers of Vision (fourth educational publication)
- 2008 - Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and Instruction from Averett University (housed on the campus of Richard Bland College in Petersburg, VA)
- February 3, 2020 - Made a proposal to the Virginia House of Delegates for the legal implementation of an elective academic secondary biblical literature course to be taught in Virginia’s public schools to improve student literacy.
EDUCATION
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Doctoral Degree
Major: Educational Specialist (EdS) (2012)
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA
Second Master’s Degree (2011)
Major: Organizational Leadership (Administration and Supervision)
Averett University
Danville, VA US
Master's Degree - 5/2008
Major: Education (Graduate)
GPA: 4.0 out of 4.0
Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications:
Earned a MED in May, 2008 (Curriculum Specialist)
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
Bachelor's Degree - 5/1977
127 hrs. Semester Hours
Sussex Education Association
Sussex, VA
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Author of Educational Curriculum Guide (388 Pages): (Biblical Literacy in Secondary Education: An Academic Approach) (2002)
Published Articles (2) : Published by Teachers of Vision (Pasadena, CA) and Article (1): Virginia Journal of Education
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Educational and Civic Accomplishments:
“Teacher of the Year”- Surry County High School (2003)
Civic/Church Affiliations:
The Sanctuary of God Pentecostal Apostolic Church- Prince George, VA (27 Years)
Church of All Nations - Spring Grove, VA (10 Years)
Emmanuel Apostolic Church - Petersburg, VA (2 Years)
Member of The Virginia State Council, Inc. of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (37 Years)
Marital Status - married to Mr. Theodore M. Foreman, Sr. (Lieutenant Colonel, Retired Army)
Children (2): Mr. Cory L. Brown AND Mrs. Chana L. Brown-Montgomery
Grandchildren (5): Corydon and Ilyiana Brown, Corey, Chloe, and Chase Montgomery
Stepchildren (3): Theodore Foreman, Jr., Jacqueline Pugh, and Pamela Foreman
Hobbies: writing, reading, shopping, singing, gardening
Native State: North Carolina
Father: Mr. Warren Whitaker, Jr. (Deceased)
Mother: Ethel Fonville Whitaker
Number of Siblings (5): Three (3) sisters and two (2) brothersAwards & Accolades
P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Month (June 2020)
Wilma J. Brown-Foreman, Education Specialist, Ed.S. of Chesterfield, Virginia has been honored as a Woman of the Month for June 2020 by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of education. Each month P.O.W.E.R. features women to represent their professions and industries due to their expertise and success in their chosen specialty.
Top 100 Educator
Recognized and ranked as a Top 100 Educator according to Strathmore Who's Who Worldwide Edition.
CEAI Member
Wilma J. Brown-Foreman is a recognized member of the Christian Educators Association International.