My Philosophy of Education

    For many years now, I have seen teaching as my calling, my vocation, and the cup into which my passion can pour.  It is an intrinsic skill, something at which I feel I am a natural, no matter what context.  I do not feel that teaching can be defined solely within the walls of public school institutions.  I see teaching as the essence of who I am.  It is the way that I react to the world as I encounter it each new day.  I view teaching as a communication, a life line, something that is necessary for others to survive and thrive.  Teaching is an adventure full of wonderful discoveries, just as learning should be for students.  As a teacher, I believe that it is necessary to never cease being a student.  For when you do this, what is the point of being a teacher?  Learning is a life-long adventure and should be encouraged by one's own practice of this.  I believe that learning takes place as much by the teacher as by the student, provided a conducive environment is created.
    Many children these days need a place to feel safe, to feel loved, to feel encouraged, and to feel respected.  I believe a teacher should provide a space, a place, an environment where each student can get to know themselves and each other.  Within the walls of the classroom, students should find respect, responsibility ownership, community, understanding, and compassion.  As a teacher, implementing this type of environment is essential for learning to take place.  For example, I hope to build a healthy community of learners within my classroom.  Including a whole-class activity each morning would be one way that I would create this.  I will strive to see each child as a community member and I will expect the same from each student.
    Each child that comes through my door will be treated equally.  I know that this will be difficult at times but I believe that it is a goal worthy to strive toward.  Though students may walk through the same door, they each bring unique strengths and weaknesses to the classroom.  I should be in tune with each child and get to know them so as to communicate and teach more effectively.  Despite each child's background, there should be a clean slate provided as they walk through the door so that their optimum potential can be reached.  I want to help them find this as best I know how.  By doing this, I will help each child find what I feel is most important, self worth and self-confidence.  If my students can find these within my classroom, I know that I have succeeded in providing them with a great start to the rest of their lives.  I recall teachers that instilled this confidence in me and who unceasingly helped me find the gifts that I had to offer the world.  I can only hope to do the same for my students.
    Each child's mind is an open book that wants to, no, needs to be filled with a colorful array of knowledge and experience.  I believe that providing instruction in a meaningful, creative way should be exercised in order to provide the best education for my students.  With a community based classroom environment  in place, discovery can take place more easily.  If discovery is taking place, each student will attain something through searching out the answers to their inert inquiries.  Allowing students to share their findings and ideas is one way to create a positive community of learners that will benefit all.
    I look forward to providing a safe haven, a unique world in which my students and I can create a positive learning experience.  Being open to the many ways to create this will be my first challenge.  I will dive right in, striving to see each student eye-to-eye as they enter my classroom.