My philosophy of teaching is not a stagnant idea but rather one that has changed over the years.  My philosophy of teaching has evolved and will continue to change as I learn new things and techniques of teaching. 

I believe that all students can learn but in their own way and in their own time.  Not all students in a particular classroom are at the same intellectual, social, or emotional level and the social and emotional levels are subject to change at any given moment especially in middle school. Students today are very in tuned with technology and I need to remember that they are more likely to be my teachers for technical issues.  I however, can be their guide on how to use that technology to further their knowledge and understanding of a topic and share that appropriately.  Technology also gives me a format to differentiate my instruction to meet each student at their readiness level, interests, and preferred mode of learning. 

I have never been a teacher who was comfortable teaching the same thing, same way from year to year.  As a lifelong learner I am always looking for new ways to inspire my students, capture their interest, and keep current on the curriculum.  I am always looking for better ways to teach my students, but only after careful research.  I am not one to jump on the latest and greatest band wagon, but I do my best to stay current.  I have incorporated the "flipped classroom" practice with my students to better meet their needs and I continue to research problem-based instruction.

I have remained in teaching all these years because I enjoy teaching and I enjoy working with children.  I look forward to the challenge of “reaching each that I teach”.  It is still thrilling for me when a student has that “ah-hah moment”!