Philosophy of Teaching

- Providing a safe and welcoming environment

- Fostering curiosity and critical thinking

- Educators as role models

- Setting high expectations

All students are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they
can develop on all levels—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. I want to foster that
environment so students can meet their full potential while staying true to who they are. I will
create a safe and encouraging environment where students are free to express themselves and
take chances. Attending each class period with an enthusiastic attitude and implementing change,
challenge, and choice enables me to implement this. Establishing a safe, stimulating environment
requires me to incorporate extensions, provide positive reinforcement, highlight that no questions
are stupid, and create relationships with my students.

I firmly believe that the core of educators is to foster students' curiosity and critical
thinking skills. Not only are we to educate them on subjects, but we are to prepare them for life
after school. I will strive to provide students with the tools and skills needed to see their value,
analyze information and situations, and solve problems effectively. I will do this by serving as a
role model. I will emulate the skills necessary to think critically, share my own curiosity, and
pose higher-thinking questions. Doing this shows that I, too, am continuously searching for
knowledge, and it provides the foundation of what it means to think critically. In an effort to
achieve this, I will provide a nurturing environment that encourages students to seek out
information that excites them.

I believe teachers are responsible for holding high expectations and challenging their
students. Students are more likely to believe and think highly of themselves if this is done. They
are more inclined to put their all into everything they do, which all educators desire. High
expectations do not mean unachievable. I will have high expectations for all my students. They
are capable of greatness, and I will ensure they reach and realize their full potential. I will
accomplish this by focusing on effort rather than excellence and promoting growth mindsets.
This will also benefit my students in their lives outside of school.