“… because they are children and for no other reason, they have dignity and are worth it simply because they are…” – Barbara Coloroso

 

I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which he/she can grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.  It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.

 

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” – John Dewey

 

I believe that because children are growing up in the “digital age”, I am responsible as an educator to engage students in their “digital language”.  I firmly believe it is increasingly important for educators to incorporate technology into the classroom on a regular basis, rather than just as an add-on when time permits.

 

“The principle goal of education is to create men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.” – Jean Piaget

 

I believe that the role of the teacher should primarily be facilitator and mentor.  In line with William Glasser’s Choice Theory, teachers should “lay the groundwork, adjust the environment, and teach/encourage thinking, behaving, and acting with result in better decision-making, productive behavior, success, and ultimate happiness.”

 

I believe in engaging students in discussion and not straying away from those higher order thinking skills.  Because I believe that all children can learn, I have high, but attainable expectations for my students.

 

"There is no one road to democracy, no single method for teaching reading, no pat solution to a discipline problem or a question of motivation or hope.  I believe that children, guided and informed by self-respect, respect for others, confidence, and compassion, can find many roads to decent and rewarding adulthood, few of which we can reliably predict.” – Herbert Kohl

 

I believe that my job as an educator is to teach every child by whatever means necessary.  As an educator, I am committed finding resources that work for each student.  I acknowledge that children learn in different ways, and I regularly differentiate instruction to accommodate different learning styles, modalities, and abilities.

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." –Margaret Mead

 

I believe in working closely with other teachers, administrators, and other educational professionals in order to better myself as a teacher, as well as to share my successes.  Open communication between colleagues benefits all teachers, classrooms, and students.