My philosophy regarding education follows what I call a “students-first” pedagogy. Students should not be seen strictly as members of groups, but rather as individuals. I believe that it is my job to get to know each student and identify the varying strengths and needs that each student has. Then, through active communication with students and families, we can address these needs and create solutions that work for everyone. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all model to education; I believe in doing what is best for each student. I value feedback from students, and I am flexible with regard to making changes to my practice to better meet their needs.
My goal is to create a classroom culture of respect and acceptance in which all cultures are celebrated and all forms of expression are privileged. I want students to feel safe taking risks and sharing their opinions. Similarly, I want students to feel supported in the process of learning, while recognizing that making mistakes is a part of that journey. I want every student to feel valued, respected, and heard in my classroom. I want students to feel comfortable being themselves. I believe that my classroom belongs just as much to the students as it does to me and that we are all capable of learning from each other. Students are not empty vessels: they enter the classroom filled with funds of knowledge and diverse experiences that we can draw from to build on learning.
I believe that knowledge is created through inquiry and learning is facilitated through collaboration. Knowledge in the field of science arises through observation and experimentation and is constantly evolving. Discovery is made possible by a community of scientists working collectively to propose claims and support them through the use of evidence and reasoning. As more evidence is uncovered, scientific understanding changes. In my classroom, students will engage in the scientific practices needed to make discoveries and answer questions about how various scientific principles play a role in their everyday lives.
A quality science education promotes science literacy and creates well-informed individuals who know how to evaluate the quality of information they obtain from various sources. In the information age in which we are living, we have easy access to a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. It is important that students learn how to analyze this information and make use of these resources in effective and productive ways. I hope to challenge students to consider multiple perspectives and to be aware of any cognitive biases they may hold. I seek to support students in learning how to think, not what to think.
A quality education is a powerful asset which gives students the freedom to follow their dreams and make whichever choices they want for their lives. My goal is to equip students with the practical skills they need to be successful and productive citizens in the evolving society of the twenty-first century.