• Statement of Educational Philosophy 
     
      The goal of education is to inspire students to be creative, self-reliant individuals who positively contribute to their community and democratic society. The first step in achieving this goal is to allow the students to have a voice in the classroom.  Students need to know that their voices are valued and respected. Studies have shown that students learn best when they are in a nonjudgmental, safe and nurturing environment. The best learning environment is one that encourages and educates the whole student emotionally, physically and cognitively.
     
       Walk into any classroom and you will find many diverse learning styles. Students learn at different rates and to different degrees of comprehension, thus differentiated instruction should be implemented.  Students are naturally curious about the world around them. This curiosity needs to be fostered through real life connections, hands on experiences and discussions.  Opportunities need to be provided to acquire the answers the students are seeking. Students also need to be given realistic challenges that provide them with an opportunity for success.  Each small success a student has will give them the fuel they need to keep on challenging themselves. 
     
       The success of education depends on a partnership between home, school and community. The learning process does not end when the students walk out of their classroom.  The learning process needs to continue.  Parents are the first teachers the students have and they know their child on a personal level and are therefore a resource for the teacher.  Parents should be involved in their child's learning process and should be informed about their child's progress and behavior in the classroom. They also need to be informed on how they can continue the learning at home.
     
       Teachers hold a variety of roles in their classrooms and in their communities.  They serve as educators, nurturers and advocates. The most important role however, is advocating for each individual student and making sure that each student's voice is being valued and respected. 
Last Modified on January 13, 2015