# Teaching/Coaching Philosophy When created within an academic setting, a coaching philosophy is derived from an educational philosophy, as coaches are teachers first. Although many athletic programs today de-emphasize academics in favor of the team's interests, our athletic program will always be composed mainly of faculty members whose primary position is that of teacher. **Educational Philosophy of Coaches** Teachers, by educating society’s young people, are professionals who embrace their responsibility in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. A teacher’s responsibilities encompass that of *educator, leader*, and *role model*. A teacher cannot merely disseminate information, but must be a living example of these three traits. A teacher’s end result must be to accomplish their objectives while having a positive impact on the lives of every student. Teachers must *educate* their students on the subject matter. They must *lead* their students in life lessons such as civility, humility, respect, and responsibility, all while demonstrating these qualities as a *role model* and person of strong moral character in their everyday life. Teachers who accomplish the above will inevitably create a positive classroom environment of interested students who are excited about learning. Coaches, as teachers of sport, must embody these traits and use them as the cornerstones in building their programs. By establishing high expectations for the team and the players involved, a coach can create an environment where student-athletes are prepared for success and free from distraction, where players exhibit strong moral character and show respect for their game and their opponent, thus setting the standard for sportsmanship. It is here that our student-athletes truly become ambassadors of the MPCS mission.