Tears and strong emotions ended with a smile and a desire to help anyway I can. Those are the emotions that I felt throughout Diane Fernicho’s speech on Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless children. Homelessness means a lack of a fixed night stay. Mrs. Fernicho’s speech and video which was played, were extremely touching and made me want to help right away. In the video, a child stated, “I wish I knew what it was like to rest my heat every night and know I am safe.” There is so much diversity in students now, including homeless students. Mrs. Fernicho stated, “This school works to provide opportunities for the students because they may never get the opportunity.” As a teacher, this statement is inspiring and Mrs. Fernicho’s speech has lead me to many conclusions concerning my philosophy of teaching.

¶     There is such a large diversity of students now; therefore I will provide options for students on projects so they have a choice. I may not know about or understand a problem that a student is having so a choice or two would help.

¶     I learned that there are many problems that can go on at home, and just being available to listen could solve or help heal most children’s problems.

¶     As a teacher I will utilize grants as much as I can to provide as many opportunities as I can for my classes. The opportunities that students receive in class could be the only chance that they receive in their life.

Graphic from personal collection