As an educator, I believe that every child can learn if given the opportunity. My journey in the classroom has not just been about helping students understand content and meet curriculum standards, but to have them move to a higher place in this world where they love and respect themselves and their fellow peers. I try to encourage them to grow confidently to the unexplored edges of their minds; discover ideas, and express those ideas effectively while respecting the views of others. My classroom should be a learning environment filled with excitement through the use of technology, manipulatives, games, and real-life connecting activities; a place where emotions and meaning of old and new come alive with humor, energy, and critical inquiry. 

I believe as a teacher, I must always strive to be innovative and abreast with social trends and what goes on in the lives of my students. This leads me to my second trademark as an educator, which is to “know thy students.” It is not my job just to merely prepare students for careers and life skills, but to also educate them about what exists in the world around them and provide the tools for critical thinking that can help them to make informed decisions. The classroom should be one that is student-centered. Taking this approach sometimes gives me the opportunity to sit back like a fly on the wall while I watch and listen to my students express themselves. It is then I am aware of how they differ from one another as well as how similar they are. Students in my stewardship must be taught as an individual and not as a group. They come from different backgrounds based on; language, culture, past and present experiences, gender, socioeconomic, family and peer relationships, and the list goes on. 

It can become a demanding task trying to understand these differences, but it can help to have a positive impact on the teaching and learning process. It is not an overnight process, but a commitment to assess and observe then acknowledge and accept these differences among students when identified. I should not overlook my students because of their inabilities, but look at them and try to discover their strengths, interests, needs, and abilities One size cannot fit all. 

In the same light of encouraging my students to grow holistically, so too should I be motivated to grow professionally. I believe I will always be a teacher as long as I live - even when outside of the classroom. It has been discouraging in recent times to see the virtues of the teaching profession becoming less respected and more confrontational. However, my spiritual and social conviction has helped to drive my passion for service. Even if I can only change one mind; one soul; one life for the betterment of humanity, then my duty as a teacher will not be in vain. My inspiration is captured in the lines of Romans 12:6-7 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.” I believe my gift is one where I am called to teach and inspire young minds. 

 You may be disappointed if you fail, but you’ll be doomed if you don’t try