A teacher, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is someone who gives lessons or provides knowledge to a student.  When I reflect on past teachers I have had, I think about those few who made such a positive impact in my life.  Two teachers, in particular, taught me that it is not so much to be the smartest or the best at everything, but to do your best and believe in yourself.  They showed me some of the most valuable lessons in life, to respect and love one another and to treat others the way you would want to be treated.  As a teacher, I want to make a difference in the lives of the children I come in contact with.  I want them to learn the lessons they need to be a good citizens.  My philosophy of education explains my motivation, enthusiasm, and love for teaching and children.
    I feel that one of the most important things I should do, as a teacher is to show sincerity and care for each individual. In my opinion, children have a wonderful and beautiful gift locked inside them.  It is up to adult’s to encourage and nurture that gift to help each child see that they are a special and unique individual.  That is why I will reach out to every child, especially those kids who may be seen as a “problem child”.  I do not want any of my students to be ignored or allowed to just get by or “fall through the cracks.”  As an educator, I feel that teaching on every child’s instructional level and avoiding their frustration level is essential in ensuring success in students.  Children should be challenged to work to their own potential whatever that may be.  I want to facilitate the mindset in every child that they can do and be anything they set their mind to.  Furthermore, I want to teach respect to students for themselves as well as others.  Students should be taught to believe in themselves and their ideals.  Also, I feel that students should be responsible for their own actions.  I want children in my classroom to learn that their ideas, choices and decisions are significant to the class and their lives.  Children should be taught to think for themselves academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  I feel that if I do this, they will be better equipped to make intelligent decisions about school and everyday life.
     I have a love for learning and I want to pass that love on to my students.  I want to show children how exciting it is to learn and discover new things, and I especially want to share with them the joy in reading.  When peers are encouraged by each other, I believe that they have a more positive outlook for learning, thus setting the child up for success.  Also, I believe that before learning can take place, students should feel safe and comfortable.  I want my classroom to be a haven for children to escape many of the horrors of life.
    Since I was a little girl I have looked up to teachers and when I was a senior in High School, I finally made the decision to become a teacher.  I want to do more than just teach, I want children to leave my classroom with a better sense of themselves and what is truly important in life.