Philosophy of Education

Education is more than just a job to me—it's a calling that comes from my desire to make a difference in young people's lives. My passion for teaching comes from my own experiences as a student, shaped by incredible teachers I have experienced who were patient, caring, and dedicated to helping each of us grow. They showed me how powerful education can be and inspired me to follow in their footsteps. As a parent, I want to teach because I believe education can unlock a child's potential and help them make positive changes in their lives and communities.

I want to be a teacher who believes that every student has unique strengths and deserves patience and understanding. I want to be a teacher that makes learning fun and creative, a place where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is developed, and every student feels valued. I hope to be a teacher who sparks curiosity in my students and helps them build the skills they need for lifelong learning.

As a Chinese immersion teacher, I am passionate about helping students learn Mandarin while also introducing them to diverse cultures. Language learning is not just about vocabulary and grammar; it’s a gateway to understanding different perspectives and connecting with people from around the world. In my classroom, students might learn about the Mid-Autumn Festival by making traditional mooncakes, exploring the legends behind the festival, and even writing short essays in Mandarin about their favorite aspects of the celebration. I hope to inspire my students by making language learning engaging and relevant to their lives. I want them to see language as a tool for exploration, creativity, and cultural appreciation. In my classroom, I envision students participating in hands-on activities, such as creating Chinese calligraphy artwork to learn about the beauty of the written language, engaging in group discussions on Chinese folktales, or collaborating on projects like designing a travel brochure for a city in China. I hope my students will describe learning Mandarin from me as both fun and meaningful, where they not only gained language skills but also an appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture and the value of diversity.

Building strong relationships with my students is at the core of my teaching philosophy. I want my students to remember me as someone who listened to them, respected them, and believed in their potential. I want my classroom to be a community where everyone feels safe to express themselves, take risks, and learn from mistakes. My role is not only to teach academic content but also to help students grow socially and emotionally by creating an environment of trust, empathy, and teamwork. Building these relationships will give students the confidence they need to face challenges both in and out of school.

Outside of teaching, I am passionate about sports, especially winter activities like skiing and skating, as well as gentle exercise like yoga. I plan to incorporate physical breaks into the school day because giving students opportunities to move around will help them stay focused and energized for learning.

I see myself as a teacher like a tree—its branches spread wide, providing shelter and shade, while its roots grow deep and strong. The tree represents growth, resilience, and connection, which is how I approach teaching. I see my role as nurturing the roots of my students' learning, giving them stability and support, while also encouraging them to reach out, explore, and thrive in their own unique ways. Education, like a tree, requires patience and care, and I am committed to providing that care for every student in my classroom.