"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."

Albert Einstein

After earning an undergraduate degree in media studies/communications with a minor in graphic design, I worked in another field for a few years. During that time I found I had a strong desire to continue the learning process for myself. I had also coached varsity girls' lacrosse for thirteen years. I loved working with the students and they were a significant factor in my decision to change careers. So, I made the decision to go back to school and earn my masters in education.

Teaching is an important job as we impart knowledge that is necessary for our 21st century learners. Quality teaching demands a broad knowledge of subject matter, knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques, a clear understanding of standards and curricula, daily enthusiasm, a caring attitude, a love of learning, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

I believe that each child is unique and needs an environment in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, and socially. My goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters learning and engages students in the subject matter. I want to allow students time for self-discovery while guiding them through the required curriculum. I believe that each student deserves an education that is tailored to his or her strengths and needs. Children learn differently, with varying abilities, and my job is to create an environment that not only challenges students, but allows them to learn in a way that best suits their learning style. I want my students to be able to connect their learning to prior knowledge. It is important to help students identify what they already know, and to make personal connections with the topics. This way they will internalize the information and to be able to recall what they have learned and apply and extend this knowledge to new learning.

"Children have more need of models than of critics."

Joseph Joubert

I believe that as a teacher I should utilize all that is available to educate students. I believe that it is important to incorporate technology, visual components, hands-on activities, exploration and the use of art throughout my teaching. I feel that a classroom should have structure and boundaries for the students but should always allow room for flexibility. Students having the ability to make mistakes and learning from those mistakes is an important part of my philosophy.

In an effort to create an environment that engages every learner, I will incorporate differentiated instruction strategies with each subject that I teach. It is my goal to help students reach their full potential by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites the sharing of ideas. For an atmosphere of this nature to succeed, I must create and experiment with lesson plans and teaching methods that will allow me to keep the students connected. This can be achieved through the creation of a safe, nurturing environment that values and practices behaviors of mutual respect among students, teachers and families.

Students thrive in a positive atmosphere where their ideas are valued publicly and a classroom that recognizes their strengths and contributions. I will have a classroom that provides a safe place where students can make wonderful discoveries and learn from their mistakes. It is very important to me to create a respectful classroom where students feel confident and comfortable experimenting with new ideas, challenges and problem solving. My classroom will be fresh and exciting, a place to experiment and to adapt new ideas. Through professional development and building relationships with other teachers, I will continually strive to collect ideas and best practices to increase my content and pedagogical knowledge. Through personal reflection and student feedback, I aim to refine my teaching practices in order to help every student reach his or her full potential.