My philosophy of education is rooted in passion. I am passionate about teaching and about learning, and I share this passion for learning and teaching with my students. I believe that students are unique and teaching is a life-long learning process that requires I make a positive difference in my students’ lives. Understanding that my students look to me as a role model, I am committed to improving my skill and maintaining an attitude of enthusiasm that will have an overall effect on how my students approach learning.

     I believe the purpose of education is to teach individuals the necessary skills and knowledge for application in and contribution to society. Each student is a unique individual with his or her own talents and strengths.  I recognize the potential in each student and believe in my students as capable individuals. I encourage my students to dream big and to work hard to pursue those dreams. I do this by openly sharing my personal triumphs and regrets. As often as possible I relate what is in the textbook to how it can apply in real life situations. By being transparent with my students I not only teach them the necessary academic skills to progress in the professional arena, but I also inspire them to believe that anything is possible.

     My role as an educator is to help each student develop to his or her fullest potential.  I do this by providing a teaching environment that engages students, stimulates their creativity, embraces their diversity, provides guidance, challenges their thinking, and promotes a sharing of ideas.  I impart my knowledge to my students and challenge them to be critical thinkers and to look beyond what they read in a textbook or hear in a class lecture. My lessons are designed to engage their interests and diverse learning styles while making rigorous academic content applicable to daily life. Each day my students leave my classroom smarter, stronger and closer to their goals than they were when they first walked through my door.

     The way children learn impacts how I teach. I believe that my students are inspired to learn when I am passionate and excited about what I am teaching.  I teach with humor, positivism, illustrations, stories, and utilize technology resources that keep my students engaged in their learning. I model for them in the classroom what I teach them. I also recognize that teaching is a life-long learning process and I am a learner in my classroom. I will never stop learning. On a daily basis I discover new things about my students and learn new strategies to best instruct them. As much as my students are receiving information from me, I am collecting information from them. I adapt to the unique personalities, behaviors and backgrounds of my students and tailor my teaching methods to reach them at their level.

     My students inspire me daily. My students are the driving force behind my philosophy of education and my passion for teaching. I am inspired knowing that I am making a positive difference my students’ lives. I believe this is key for me as a teacher. In order for me to be effective in the classroom, I must first display a desire to know who my students are as individuals and how they learn best. I do this my treating them with the same respect I require from them, recognizing that one day my students will take my place and fill my shoes.