Philosophy of Education

I am a student-centered educator committed to an inclusive, supportive classroom that honors diverse backgrounds and learning needs. My teaching journey is deeply personal: I was adopted from Guatemala and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Growing up taught me resilience and empathy, and inspired my commitment to education. With a family background in education, including my father, who served as a teacher and principal, I have been motivated since third grade to dedicate my life to supporting students.

This photo of this anchor chart is from Mr.Juri's 2nd Grade classroom at Sun Valley Elementary School in San Rafael

I strive to create classrooms where every learner feels valued and capable. I adapt instruction to meet diverse academic, social-emotional, and cultural needs, build strong relationships with families and colleagues, and design engaging lessons that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence. I approach every classroom challenge with energy, patience, and a smile, believing that joyful learning supports both growth and long-term success.

I believe every student possesses unique value and deserves an environment where their creativity is nurtured rather than stifled. In my classroom, success is a collective goal; students should collaborate so that no one is left behind. Beyond core subjects, I believe the arts are essential for developing the critical thinking skills students need for life.

Recognizing that students learn through various modalities—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—I prioritize hands-on, memorable experiences that connect learners to the curriculum. Furthermore, I believe in the power of reinforcement through repetition to build confidence and participation. As Chip Wood emphasizes in Yardsticks, understanding a student’s culture is vital to creating a "safe place" (Wood 16). By honoring diverse backgrounds and family structures, I aim to create a classroom that feels like home—a respectful space where every family feels seen and supported.

As role models, teachers influence students by demonstrating that learning is a process of growth and resilience. My role is to provide both academic support in core fundamentals and the emotional support necessary for students to develop self-reflection skills. This work extends beyond the classroom through collaboration with colleagues, where we share best practices to ensure every student succeeds. Most importantly, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel seen and heard, ensuring their well-being is always a top priority.

A successful curriculum should be both creative and inclusive, tailored to the specific needs of the grade level. By integrating the arts—such as music, dance, and visual arts—educators can nurture students' creative minds while fostering engagement. Beyond academic skills, it is essential to address critical topics like race, gender, and diversity. Teaching these histories encourages students to remain open-minded and socially aware as they grow.

I believe the purpose of schooling is to provide a safe, supportive environment where students master fundamental skills through collaborative learning. By balancing engaging activities with core lessons, we prepare students to make a meaningful impact on the world. My goal is to build a positive classroom culture where students feel safe sharing their beliefs. By connecting personally with each student, I can identify their unique strengths and weaknesses, providing the individualized support they need to succeed both in the classroom and the future.

A successful curriculum should be both creative and inclusive, tailored to the specific needs of the grade level. By integrating the arts—such as music, dance, and visual arts—educators can nurture students' creative minds while fostering engagement. Beyond academic skills, it is essential to address critical topics like race, gender, and diversity. Teaching these histories encourages students to remain open-minded and socially aware as they grow.

I believe the purpose of schooling is to provide a safe, supportive environment where students master fundamental skills through collaborative learning. By balancing engaging activities with core lessons, we prepare students to make a meaningful impact on the world. My goal is to build a positive classroom culture where students feel safe sharing their beliefs. By connecting personally with each student, I can identify their unique strengths and weaknesses, providing the individualized support they need to succeed both in the classroom and the future.