Facilitating the development of a classroom that is sensitive to the diversity of students and that stimulates student exploration, awareness and growth is my ultimate goal. I think creating a caring classroom environment is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher, because it is this environment that will provide the conditions (respect, safety, trust, and belonging) necessary for student success in all curricular areas. I want my students to feel confident raising questions, exploring their unique interests, and like they are a valuable piece of classroom collaboration. Students need to feel trusted and respected to make their own judgments and should have the opportunity to develop their own values. Scaffolded independance in the classroom will allow students to develop their own reasoning skills as well as encourage mindful and reflective behaviors. I want my students to feel confident directing their own learning through inquiry and exploration, and to gain a greater awareness of their responsibility to the earth and their immediate environment.