Teaching Philosophy

There was a time when I sat quietly at the back of the classroom, unsure if my voice mattered. As a bilingual student navigating two worlds of translating not just words but feelings, expectations, and entire ways of being. I often felt like I was living between the lines. Now, I stand at the front of a classroom, not just as a teacher, but as the mentor I once needed. I don’t just teach, I listen. I don’t just instruct,I build. Every lesson I plan is one where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Storytelling is central to how I connect with students and how I help them connect with each other. As a former student who often felt unheard and sometimes lost in the classroom, I teach to become the mentor I once needed. My experience shaped my views on how powerful it is to have a teacher who listens and implements the goals of a student. I want my teaching to represent my roots of experience. I hope to create the kind of classroom I needed when first starting my education: A classroom where every student’s identity, learning style, and voice becomes a part of the environment.

Growing up bilingual and navigating two cultures, I often found myself translating not just words, but also emotions and expectations. Now, I use those experiences to shape a bilingual, inclusive classroom where both English and Spanish are used meaningfully and in a supportive way. For example, I present my lessons with visuals in English while speaking in Spanish to support comprehension and affirm both languages as valuable tools for learning.

I believe each student plays a unique and essential role. I remember how much it meant when someone shared a story that reflected my own experience or helped me see things in a new way. Now, I use stories to build bridges between backgrounds and to create a safe space for students to share theirs. I believe learning is not a one-way street but a collaborative process working as a team. My classroom is rooted in everyone's story, written by us. With every student’s voice, every shared experience, and every “aha” moment. Just as I learn from my students every day, I want them to learn from each other. I use strategies such as group discussions, team work, and open reflection to help students build empathy, teamwork, and critical thinking. My favorite was sharing a story during every fieldtrip to allow students to connect to Mt.Pisgah, share my expirences and encourage the, to share their own at the end of the day.

My past has shown me what it feels like to be excluded but it’s also shown me the incredible impact support and having a voice can have. That’s who I aim to be. I want every student to leave my classroom knowing they matter, that their voice is powerful, and that learning is a journey we take together. By honoring diversity, embracing multiple ways of learning, and leading with empathy, I hope to create a classroom that feels like a second home for students to have a place of discovery, growth, and belonging.