My name is Braley! I am finishing my major at ODU in Elementary Education. I am an easy going and fun person. I have always known I wanted to be a teacher but never knew what grade. I have taught preschool, pre-k, and now I am a sped TA until I finish my degree. I am from Ohio and moved to Virgina many years ago because my mom is in the military. 

I never had something specific that I looked up to that made me want to become a teacher it was just my love for how cute and precious kids are that has pushed me towards teaching. I've always had a loving and nurturing personality. 

One thing that I have learned for sure is not everything is going to be perfect or go your way all the time. Sometimes life throws a curve ball and that's okay, you just roll with the punches. Having worked in multiple areas in the teaching profession I have realized it takes a lot of patience and deep breathes but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

I want to become a teacher that students look up too and will remember. I want them to feel safe, welcomed, and included.  I envision my future classroom as one that is diverse, well-rounded, respectful, and ready to learn with rules and expectations well defined. I believe building a strong classroom community is critical and teaching should focus on a culture of partnership between students, educators, and caregivers. It is my desire to create this type of environment where students can meet their full potential. The teaching philosophy I align with the most is essentialism which emphasizes the importance of a structured and disciplined approach to education which is what I will uphold. It is my duty to provide my students with a solid foundation of knowledge in order to become successful. I do not want to be a strict teacher; I want my students to enjoy learning and want to come to my class but before we can have fun it is essential that they understand there are concepts and skills they must master first.