I am deeply committed to fostering learning environments that prioritize equity, empowerment, and social justice. I believe that education should be fun and it should go beyond traditional academic boundaries, empowering students to engage meaningfully with their communities and the world around them. One of thing I am passionate about is creating a community garden on our school grounds as well as helping other teachers start a community garden at their school. Working in a garden is a hands-on learning experience where students can apply their classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. For example, this past school year in my classrooms science curriculum, we explored the plant life cycle, the importance of pollination, and the impact of native versus invasive species. Having a classroom garden allowed students to see these concepts come to life. Another purpose for a garden is to provide fresh produce and opportunities to practice Life Skills. In my classroom last year one life skill we focused on was preparing easy and nutritious meals using ingredients from the garden as well as things commonly found at home. This was often my students favorite lesson of the week. 

In addition to this, the garden is not just an educational tool; it’s a space to cultivate community, where students and their families can connect, collaborate, and grow together. In my course Enacting Agency and Social Justice we were given the task of developing a plan of action to create social change within the community. My group and I decided we wanted to create a project that would help teachers with the task of creating a community garden. Through this Guide, I aim to encourage teachers and give them the tools they will need to start their own school garden which will in turn empower students by giving them the tools and skills they need to make a positive impact in their lives and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Completing this assignment helped me achieve knowledge of learning and educational practices by actively applying principles of equitable pedagogy and social justice in the design and implementation of a community garden. This hands-on experience not only reinforced academic concepts like the plant life cycle and sustainable agriculture but also empowered students by providing them with practical life skills and fostering a sense of responsibility towards their community. Through the garden, I was able to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, promoting social change and equity by encouraging students and their families to connect, collaborate, and grow together. This commitment to equity and empowerment reflects my dedication to enacting educational practices that make a meaningful difference in the lives of all learners.