I love the quote that says that "kids don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care! " What is my teaching philosophy? I love the kids I teach first and build a safe learning environment through community circles, class discussions and student highlights. After a child feels safe and that mistakes are embraced and celebrated, then we learn together in the best way.
I believe in high expectations! You don't need to be better than the student next to you, you need to be better than what you were a month ago. Every child deserves a year (or more) of growth with the curriculum. If they are gifted or resource, emotional or attention deficit, it doesn't matter. Every child, every time deserves a years progress.
I believe in community! Parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and many more all help a child in their overall growth and development. Come into the class! Help and observe you child. Community can reinforce and encourage academic growth and emotional stability for each student I teach.
I love teaching! I've been doing it forever and have taught 6th, 1st and 4th! People ask me what my favorite grade to teach is and I love them all! The greatest thing is to run into old students who are all grown up and know that our class is about respectful relationships and reaching our potential!
What makes you smart? Never giving up! I believe that everyone has potential and can do it! You are not smart because you understand something the first time, or the 7th. Having grit and continuing through the good and the bad learning experiences and life make you into a success or a failure in life.
I see challenges as opportunities for growth. If you haven't guessed it already I am an optimist!