A teacher is a river.

My hope for the students in my class is that they feel a sense of growth by the end of their year with me. I want students to discuss their ideas, thoughts, experiences, feelings, and beliefs, in a safe and respectful environment. My role as a teacher is to support this environment. Most importantly from these experiences in the classroom, I hope students gain valuable critical thinking and life skills, which they can take with them on their journey in life.

In addition, I believe one of the most important things for teachers to remember is that every student is unique. One of my roles as a teacher is to embrace the intellectual diversity in my classroom and use it as the foundation for promoting critical thinking. In order to do this, my classroom will be centered on the students, on their needs and their interests. Further, I will promote intellectual diversity by presenting information in a variety of formats and contexts. I believe that teachers should make an extra effort to present material in a range of formats, and be willing to adapt their curriculum to the needs of their students.

Above all else, I believe teachers should have high but attainable expectations in their classrooms. Teachers should make these expectations student centered and clear starting on the first day. I believe teachers should strive to help their students reach their goals whether they are academic or personal. I want my students to know that their teacher is cheering them on, and hopes to see them all succeed in life. I was blessed to have teachers in my life that were my support and encouragement, and I hope to be that teacher for my students, too.

Overall, I believe that my views on teaching come back to the simple idea that teachers should not attempt to teach with out aiming to inspire students to develop a passion to learn. In order for this to happen, teachers need to have their community, their student’s families, and their colleague’s involvement and support. And with this, just as a river can support the life around it, teachers can support the lives of their students’ everyday.