My Teaching Philosophy

   I believe we often limit children who have the ability to learn but are not given the right opportunities or motivation. Children who are spoken to like adults (with big words and complex sentences) will likely learn to speak the same way. They'll develop language skills better and faster than their counterparts.

   Technology is everywhere, so children need to know how to use it. They need to learn how to find good information and apply it, whether it comes from a mobile app or an internet search. They need to learn what a credible source is and how to correctly cite it. They also need to know how to be safe while using the internet.

   Children will act according to our expectations. If we treat them as though they are capable of learning and tell them practice makes perfect, they will believe it and achieve. When my students claim that a task is too hard, I tell them, "Never give up! Never surrender!" (from the movie Galaxy Quest). I also tell them that if they're struggling, it just means they need more practice or to come at the problem from a different angle. If we engage children and make them active participants in their learning, they will learn more and retain more, especially when they get to apply that learning.

   It is important to give students opportunities to teach each other, because this leads to a deeper understanding. 
   

Children should learn how to be part of a community. They will benefit for the rest of their lives if they can learn to work together and help each other. They need to learn how to communicate effectively, so they understand each other and accept opinions other than their own.

   I know that children can exceed our expectations in all areas when given the opportunities and support they deserve. I am passionate about teaching, and I take it very seriously.