Mary Beth Mink

Library Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Philosophy of Education

Education is the mortar that holds the bricks of our futures together. As an educator, I aspire to provide opportunities for students to explore and learn in an environment that is student-centered. The mindset and the needs of our students have changed greatly over the past ten years—even the past five years. Students are no longer content to listen to a lecture or watch as the teacher demonstrates a concept; they have to be working. They have to be constantly engaged and plugged-in to the class—figuratively and literally.

Our classes should not be fortresses of solitude; the classrooms should be a place of activity and discussion. I want my students to utilize discovery learning; I want them to take the lead in their education and learning processes. Our students have access to instant information through the growing use of technology in our schools; they need to be able to utilize and integrate this technology into their everyday classes. Through this incorporation of technology, our students can become the center of the classroom. The teacher can step back and allow his/her students to take the lead and become the instructor for certain concepts. It is very important that our students learn to take responsibility of their education and become leaders in the classroom.

I believe that all students are unique, but should still be held to high expectations. Every child is capable of learning—at his/her own rate—and growing if exposed to learning opportunities. Taking the time to speak with and learn about my students will help me create differentiated learning experiences for the students. The diversity of our students should be reflected in the diversity of our lessons; education is not a cookie-cutter process. I want to be able to create a variety of opportunities that allow my students to flourish and succeed. I want to provide them a base, a foundation that they can use to build their futures. I want all of my students to experience success in education. My ultimate goal is to create a life-long learner; a student that is not afraid of the unknown because he/she embraces the unknown as a learning experience.