Statement of Teaching Philosophy Teaching for me is an opportunity to educate young minds of the future.

I believe all students can learn, and in order for them to succeed and lead this society, teachers need to teach community, social responsibility, and empower students to take charge of their learning, not only in school but in lifelong learning contexts as well. In my own classroom I want students to leave my class with more confidence, compassion, and enthusiasm for life and learning than when they entered. Within every classroom there is a community of learners that vary in all learning styles, abilities, and interests. Differentiated instruction will be provided to accommodate all learners. One way of providing this is through guided reading groups, where students are being instructed on their own instructional level. By using instructional scaffolding learning develops and grows when connected across subject areas. Building an understanding of the content occurs when students can connect ideas and thoughts to previously known concepts. I want to engage my students in thinking, planning, questioning, assessing, collaborating, and take with them, not only self-respect and confidence, but also the motivation to be life long learners. As part of my responsibility as an educator, I continually strive for my students to reach their full potential. Education requires constant reflection. After reflection of a lesson or assignment I am able to correct or continue certain methods. I will constantly improve my teaching strategies through self-reflection and continuous education. An efficient way to further motivate students is by setting goals and reflecting on past learning. Students become active in taking control of how they learned and what they overcame, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Im committed to promoting an active learning environment that is both motivating and rigorous, one that empowers both student and teacher within the classroom. In my style of teaching, I set high expectations of my students in my classroom while also providing endless support, such as offering before and after school tutoring. I will show students the importance of taking on challenges. Most importantly, I give my students the motivation and confidence that is needed for them to believe that they can succeed. Encouraging students to establish a profound love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs when each voice is heard and recognized. To achieve this, I will give students the tools to become responsible members of the classroom by using strategies such as; class meetings, democratic principles, and clear expectations. For example, when students peer edit their writing with a partner they are learning to be cooperative and value each others ideas and creativity. Teachers need to model and support this learning by discussing how being cooperative and working as partners are also considered learning and ways to apply these skills outside the classroom. One of the most powerful aspects of being a teacher is the relationship and connections you build with your students. This relationship allows for trust and support. Each student has something special and unique to add to the class. Its imperative to promote creativity and acknowledge their strong points. One of my objectives is to instill, within my students, selfawareness and independence on what they can accomplish. As a teacher, making connections and showing sincere passion can pique interests and make lessons more meaningful to the students. Education is not only a tool that binds students with learning, but gives them a chance for a better way of life. Education is essential for preparing children for their future. Throughout my life I have been intertwined with education. It has turned me into the person I am today and the person I want to become. If I can teach children to learn and grow into something bigger and better than there is nothing on this earth that is more rewarding. The future depends on these children and I want to be apart of it.