Educational Philosophy

There are as many different ways to teach as there are different kinds of learners. I think that the most important part of teaching in an English classroom is establishing an atmosphere of trust.

Learning and thinking in an artificial environment like school can be painful and often stressful to students because it involves the sharing of their insecure selves. Students are expected to be where they do not want to be, remember facts that seem irrelevant, and all the while sit docilely in their assigned seats. I believe that creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable expressing themselves is the key to productive learning.

Most people want to learn in an active, engaging fashion. Adolescence is the time for questioning seemingly established principles. Students begin to recognize that a lot of their ideas are adopted because of outside influences. They are ready to question, examine, analyze, and interpret the questions that arise in their lives each day. They are "into" thinking deeply. Students are discovering the potentiality of their thoughts and are eager to express themselves. If educators can provide a positive learning environment that promotes honesty, tolerance, and respect, then real, relevant learning will absolutely germinate and flourish. I have seen it happen.

My strength as a teacher lies in my relationship with the students. I care about who they are and what they know because I want to know. Learning is a lifelong, continual process. Discovering and honing are exciting; because I am excited, the students become excited. I can communicate with them. I have a genuine desire to hear what they have to say; they know it, appreciate it, and respond because of it. My goal as a teacher is to motivate and inspire my students to express themselves effectively and thoughtfully and to appreciate the complexity and diversity of the human experience that is so heartbreakingly, poignantly beautiful.