“Empower” – this one word summarizes my philosophy of teaching, including what and how I feel children should be taught and my personal goals as an educator. In providing a strong, versatile understanding of fundamental knowledge, concepts, and skills.  I wish to empower my students to develop and further their own connections to what they’re learning by helping them develop a strong understanding of fundamental concepts and skills, then leading them on adventures where they become exposed to opportunities to question, confirm, disprove, and synthesize their understanding of the curriculum.  I intend to demonstrate knowledge and information in as many ways as possible so that my students can discover their own preferred method of learning while providing opportunities to practice learning through many different methods.  I will infuse inquiry into project and unit designs and empower students to take ownership of their own learning and realize their roles as active agents in charge of their own learning.  My previous experience, my educational philosophy, and most importantly, the students populating my classroom empower me to revisit, reflect, revise, and renew my commitment towards teaching; a teaching practice that activates students’ sense of curiosity and passions for learning, while simultaneously nurturing their spirit and confidence as individuals, is my Holy Grail.

The sharing of a single, simple idea can bring about revolutionary change in another person’s life.  To me, there are few things in life that are more enjoyable than helping others find success, whether helping a student wrap his head around how to approach a math problem or helping another student brainstorming the best course of action for her to take in the face of a dire situation.  Collaborating with my students, I will model and create a safe classroom environment that embraces errors and recognizes their role in the ongoing process of learning and practice. Students will come to build upon their strengths and call upon them to overcome challenges and weaknesses; they will see themselves as competent and capable participants in society, engaging their surroundings from a sense of curiosity and wonder, evaluating what they take in from a critical standpoint. Knowledge then transcends the sphere of individual influence and begins to benefit society; my role as an educator is to provide the map from which each individual student will plot their own path.