"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate 'apparently ordinary'
people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners:
it is in making winners out of ordinary people."  -K. Patricia Cross

These are my cousins!  I grew up around kids (my Mom , and Aunt Denise are both teachers)

and truly enjoy making a difference in their lives.  My adorable cousins, as well as my

younger brother, are part of the reason I am passionate about children.

Teaching Philosophy

      In order to become the best teacher possible, I strongly desire to carry out my philosophies and beliefs about teaching in the classroom.  As a teacher, I will strive to inspire children, and to make a difference in their lives.

            According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the definition of inspire is to influence, move, and guide by inspiration.    As a teacher, I can inspire children by giving them guidance, support, and encouragement so they will believe in themselves.  Because children are so easily influenced by others, the role teachers play in their lives is crucial.  When a teacher positively influences a student, a child’s life could change.  If a student believes in her/himself, she/he gains the confidence needed to succeed in life.  Inspiring children and encouraging them to believe in themselves can make their futures more successful.  As a teacher, I will strive to provide inspiration to my students so I can positively influence their futures.

            My ultimate goal as a teacher is to make differences in students’ lives.  To inspire is one way to make a difference in children’s lives, but it penetrates far deeper.  To make a difference in the life of a person is to truly touch her/his heart.  To do that, I will show an attitude of love, encouragement, and compassion to my students.  Not only will my attitude set a positive example for the children, but it will also make a difference in my instruction.  If I come into the classroom each day radiating love, encouragement, and compassion to my students, the learning environment will also be strengthened by my attitude.  The students will desire to learn and will be accepting of what I am teaching.  If I can touch my students and make a difference in their lives by helping them to learn, then my ultimate goal as a teacher will be accomplished.  The children will leave my classroom as changed individuals at the end of the year and will enter the following school year with a positive attitude.  This positive attitude toward learning also encourages successful futures of my students. 

            As I begin my teaching career, I will work to meet these goals.  I chose teaching as a career because of my passion for children, learning, and my desire to inspire and change the lives of others.  If I teach with these goals in mind, my students ability to learn will be significantly enhanced.