Why I teach and my basic teaching philosophy

 For the past several years I have worked in my neighborhood elementary school as a para-educator. I love working with the students and learning all that I can from the teachers I have had the opportunity to work with. Four or five years ago I was given the assignment to tutor a student with moderate to sever autism. As I worked with this student and felt his joy at each new achievement, I knew that I needed to make good on a promise I made myself years ago. I promised myself that I would pay it forward and help a student find success to say thank you to Mr. Losser my forth grade teacher. Through his belief in me and dedication to help me succeed, I was able to overcome my learning difficulties to become grade level proficient in English Language Arts, science and social studies and above proficient in math. I decided at the tender age of nine that I needed to be a teacher, so that I could repay him for his love and dedication in helping me find success. I felt that if I could help just one student the way he helped me I would be a successful teacher. However, finances and life choices kept me from going to college after high school. I became content as a para-educator and had convinced myself that I could still help children find success, until I received the assignment to be  tutor and full time assistant to a beautiful young man with autism. The extreme joy I felt on his behalf each time he reached a learning goal, became a drug to me. I had to have it, and the only way I knew how to get it was to become a certified teacher with a class of my own.

With my family nearly grown, I started a new adventure. I went back to school. It has taken me longer than I hoped it would, however, as long as things stay on track I should graduate December 2016. The journey along my new adventure has allowed me to observe the teachers I work directly with and my own children's teachers through a new prospective. I feel that observing teachers through the lens of a student, a parent and a co-worker has helped me develop a type of wish list as to the type of teacher and classroom I want for my future students. For example, I want parents to feel welcome in my classroom anytime, and be involved in their student's education. Also I want my students to feel like they are they most important and that they can reach the stars if they had a mind to.

The main theme of my teaching philosophy is students first. My job as a teacher is to guide and direct my students through a journey of learning exploration. I want my students to believe in themselves. I want to create an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes. Next to doing ones best, respect of self and others will be the most important part of learning. It is my hope that my students feel valued for who they are not who they think they should be.  Everyone has something that they can contribute to the classroom community and I want my students to know that their contribution is valuable.