Teaching is bigger than tests and lesson plans— it is questioning, discussion, and independent thinking. Access to information today has grown massively, making it hard to separate ideas from fact; Having proper education is important now more than ever, and even more so having someone to guide you through it. Education has come in many different forms over the decades. We learn through research, found not only in books but outside in cities. We learn by doing, whether that means an end in success or failure. We learn through experiences of our own, or by osmosis through the experiences of others. Education is a lifetime of learning, and teaching for even 5% of a student’s life is a privilege. I aspire to be the teacher that inspires new capabilities within my students and a passion for learning. 

      As a lifelong student, I’ve always been drawn to history and current-events. More specifically matters in social injustice. My thinking process is always being challenged and I keep finding new ways to view the world. This is what intrigues me the most. I want to instill the same passion in my students so they find the very thing that they constantly look to question and explore. We learn through engagement in discussion, problem solving, and travelling through new perspectives. I will be there to ask thoughtful questions so that students are encouraged to think more deeply and navigate information. Education can be the greatest weapon if one knows how to wield it. 

      Every student learns differently, but I believe an important factor to learning is making it memorable. Mixing their everyday interests with new information creates real-time connections and instant intrigue. I will use this strategy to create engaging lessons and spark student-led discussions. Doing this caters a more personal and open environment where students feel like they can safely express their ideas and ask questions. The only way a student can efficiently learn is by being able to test different thought processes. While I find discussion important, I also believe open-ended projects and writing assessments are highly rewarding when it comes to learning information. They give the mind an outlet to articulate deep thoughts on an idea that was previously thought to be shallow. 

      I encourage diversity in any environment and understand how it can be a benefit to the differing perspectives of my students. I will encourage diversity in my classroom to create a broader idea of the world, and a deeper appreciation of our different backgrounds and thoughts. Being a student I’ve also learned that teachers can learn a lot from us. I hope to learn from my students as much as they learn from me, and in turn become a better teacher.

      My philosophy of teaching is based around the core belief that students should not just be taught what to think, but learn how to think. I am dedicated to building confidence within future generations to ask important questions, seek their own answers, and express themselves thoughtfully.