As an educator, I believe that students are active participants in their personal learning journeys. Education should not be a one-way transmission of knowledge but rather an interactive process where students have the opportunity to take ownership of their learning. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that curiosity is the driving force behind meaningful learning experiences. I am committed to creating a classroom environment inclusive of all learning styles, where students feel empowered to explore, question, and engage with the world around them. 

The Environmental Leadership program has greatly influenced the development of my teaching approach, particularly through the Learning in Places Educator Framework reflections. These frameworks have encouraged me to reflect on how to create a learning environment that uplifts students’ innate sense of wonder. Reflecting on my educational experiences guided me to further emphasize the individualization of educational experiences for students to engage with each learner's interests.

As I continue to evolve as an educator, I am continually reminded that students learn best when they are provided with encouragement and freedom to explore their curiosity with the personal agency to do so. For me, this looks like cultivating an atmosphere where questions are just as valuable as answers. My goal is to inspire students to see their environment not just as a classroom, but as an ever-changing system that they can observe, question, and interact with. By doing so, I aim to foster a connection with students' natural surroundings, influencing a greater appreciation for the world they live in.

To bring this philosophy to life, I focus on inquiry and hands-on learning experiences. By empowering students to investigate the world, I help them build critical thinking skills and an understanding of the impact they can have as informed and responsible citizens. Every lesson is an invitation to explore new ideas and perspectives, to ask questions, and to embrace the challenge of finding solutions.

Ultimately, my teaching philosophy centers on the belief that education should ignite a lifelong passion for learning. It is my goal to empower students not only with knowledge but also a sense of agency, encouraging them to become lifelong learners and environmental stewards who approach the world with wonder and an open mind.