Transforming lives through the education of students for the benefit of diverse communities through leadership is my mission as an educator. Motivating students in ascertaining their inner strengths, abilities through activities and lessons that truly inspire them is my reward as their teacher. I aim to provide a stimulating learning environment that fosters confidence and encourages students to reach their full potential. Teaching provides challenges, and responsibilities. However, it is a career that also bestows excitement, ingenuity, and wonder. I strongly believe that all students are capable of learning if they have the proper motivation and direction from their instructor. As an educator, I am aware of the different learning styles, and development theories in order to relate to my students and drive them to reach their full potential at their appropriate learning level. Administration’s confidence in my teaching philosophy has designated me as the general education teacher who will instruct students with IEPs as well 504 plans. This dynamic group of learners activates my 17 years of teaching experience, as I differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of all students and invigorate them to become 21st century leaders. It is my responsibility to see that all my students have access to the learning at their level and are successful. Each student deserves my time and full attention in regards to their education and success.
I also strongly believe in providing a safe learning environment for all. If students do not feel safe in their classroom, whether it is emotionally, physically, or socially, their defense systems will go up and learning will greatly decrease. It is important to me that my students, as well as their parents, other teachers, administrators, and people in the community, see me as someone they can approach, who will be fair and nondiscriminatory. I provide an open-door policy, update my parent blog weekly, and respond to emails within a few hours and have a texting app available explicitly for my families to continue the relationship I have with all stakeholders.
Classroom organization is also essential in providing a quality education to all learners. In my classroom, we are a team and I am the coach. We need each other to be productive and successful. Students in my classroom understand the expectations and understand that they apply to all. Additionally, students have expectations of me that we discuss, and I take them very seriously. We are respectful, and understand that a growth mindset is imperative for our team's success. I also believe in teaching content that is meaningful, applicable, and innovative to students. If students do not see the “why” of the subject matter, or how it applies to real life, they will not be interested in the lesson. Teaching is a learning process; learning from my students, colleagues, parents, and the community. This is a lifelong process where I am learning new strategies, new ideas, and new philosophies. Overtime my educational philosophy may change. That just means that I am growing, and learning new things.