I believe every individual needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by providing an environment that supports constructive critical thinking and invites the sharing of ideas. There are two elements I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher placing the focus on the students by acting as a guide, and (2) promoting respect for all things and all people.

Acting as a guide and providing access to information, rather than acting as a primary source of information, allows for the students’ search for knowledge to be met as they learn to find answers to their questions on their own and facilitates the learning process. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations.

Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

An open sharing of ideas creates an environment that fosters honest and thoughtful dialogue without fear of criticism. Providing a positive and constructive learning atmosphere through class meetings is one way to encourage such dialogue, both in a traditional class setting or in online based learning. I believe students have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel sure of what is expected of them. Setting fair and consistent rules, using a syllabus, and stating the importance of every activity, helps students to develop a respect for the time and effort put forth by themselves and fellow classmates. In turn, they learn to respect themselves, others, and the learning environment.

Teaching provides me an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my goals as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with those furthering their knowledge base whether it be for personal or professional reasons. In our society, it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to be guided by someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be. Learning is a never-ending cycle in life and in my opinion, we will continue to learn until we take our very last breath.