“Teaching and learning should bring joy. How powerful would our world be if we had kids who were not afraid to take risks, who were not afraid to think, and who had a champion? Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Rita Pierson

My classroom will encourage students to become confident learners and risk takers.

I believe that authentic learning takes place when students are comfortable and confident in themselves. As a teacher it is my job to build a community of learners who are brave enough to take risks and push themselves to new limits. I want my students to never be afraid of making mistakes, and to know that trying their best is always most important. My measure of success for students will never be their final product, but the learning process they used along the way. Throughout their journey, I will be there supporting them as they face challenges, and helping them realize how much they can achieve.

My classroom encourages learners to never give up.

I believe resiliency is an essential skill in and out of the classroom. As a teacher it is my job to explicitly teach lessons that provide learners with the tools to help them overcome any obstacle they face. In doing so I will build a strong and supportive community, and encourage a classroom of confident learners that work together and seek help to conquer any challenge they may come across. 

My classroom will maintain high expectations.

I believe strongly in being my student’s champion, pushing them to grow and learn in diverse ways. I know that every student in my classroom can be successful, and it is my job to hold students accountable to their maximum potential. As a teacher it is my job to be a positive and supportive role model, expecting learners to always try their best, as I guide them along the way.

My classroom will honor and celebrate different styles of learning.

In my classroom I believe it essential to value all of the individual personalities, and honor our unique community. My curriculum will always be differentiated so all learners have the opportunity to be successful. Through individual and group projects, students will learn about themselves, their peers, and how to get along and work with diverse personalities. I will promote a respectful and supportive environment where all of my students feel validated and confident, celebrating the aspects of each student that make them unique.

My classroom is a community of positive, supportive, and compassionate learners.

For my students to be successful learners, I believe they need an environment where they feel safe and confident. By building a strong sense of community, students will become comfortable with one another, and know that they will always have a team behind them. I want them to remember that they not only have their teacher, but also a group of classmates that they can rely on. Throughout the year as they grow, become challenged, or feel frustrated and successful, there will always be a supportive classroom of cheerleaders they can fall back on.