My teaching philosophy is based on the concept of a student-centered classroom.  I believe schools are not only an institution for passing on intellectual knowledge but also a social environment where students learn to interact with faculty and peers.  As a teacher I will be focused on the individual needs of students.  I will attempt to know each of my students as individuals and find ways of teaching that will fit each one's needs.  I will work with my students, listening to their ideas of how we can make their learning the best experience possible. 

            I believe it is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure students feel safe and comfortable in the classroom.  I will do everything in my power to make sure my students do not feel intimidated but rather are eager to let their voices be heard.  By working with my students I hope to teach them to be active, knowledgeable citizens.  Because of this, I find it of vital importance to teach them about different races, ethnicities, and cultures.  I want my students to understand and appreciate different cultures so they can feel comfortable interacting with people of backgrounds other than their own.

            I will try and make learning exciting for my students so they are eager to take that learning into their own hands.  I hope to prove to my students that education is a vital aspect in our society.  I will teach them these skills through active classroom participation, group work, and hands on/real world activities.  I want my students to have a say in what they are being taught.  This way, they will have a sense of responsibility for their learning because they will have some control over their education.

            The idea of reflective teaching is also a process I will be engaged in throughout my career.  It will take a great deal of practice and many failed attempts before I will understand the true impact of being a reflective teacher.  I value this concept and will continue to work on ways to improve my teaching standards. And, in order to fulfill the task of being a good teacher, I understand it takes the ability to be a thoughtful learner, leader, inquirer and active community member.  These ideas will help me achieve the knowledge a quality teacher possesses.  These are the beliefs I will continue to incorporate into my career as an educator.