"Teaching is an act of love, and it is also an act of courage." — bell hooks
Even in the midst of COVID-19, we all still took a class photo.
On the last day of school, June 26, 2023, students gathered around to take a photo.
Students gathered around during the Holiday season to take a photo.
Even in the midst of COVID-19, we all still took a class photo.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
What item represents your teaching philosophy and why?
In my third year of teaching, one of my students wrote a poem in the perspective of a vase. A line struck me: "No one ever realizes the work a vase does; they always head straight for the flowers". It was in this moment I realized the item:
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A vase with flowers.
Flowers with vibrant hues and unique individuality represent students. While flowers are of beauty, it is the vase that provides transparent, reflective, and stable support allowing them to thrive. The transparency of the vase mirrors vulnerability and adaptability rooted in teaching practices reflecting the ongoing dynamics of the classroom; an environment where every student is seen, valued, and celebrated. The vase symbolizes English Language Arts lessons which work towards being culturally sustaining, constructivist-based, and rooted in New Generation Standards. These lessons work to integrate theory and practice creating a stable foundation where the light and beauty of learning can shine.
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My philosophy of teaching centers on the transformative power of education to foster resilience, healing, and self-discovery. I believe that the study of literature and language is more than an academic pursuit; it's a means for students to engage with their own lived experiences and understand the world around them. My goal is to create a brave space where students of all communities can process and navigate the complex realities they encounter daily through rigorous and compelling content through English Language Arts concepts.
In this classroom, students are encouraged to see literature not just as stories but as a lens for interpreting their own lives. ​​By integrating culturally sustaining practices, I ensure that all students feel seen, respected, and capable of engaging in analysis of both literature and their lived realities. This approach transforms the classroom into a dynamic space for mutual learning and growth, where every student is equipped to navigate and challenge the world with confidence and purpose.
Throughout this page, I hope you'll find how this teacher philosophy intersects throughout growth of my four years. Thank you for taking the time to go through my journey over the past four years. Enjoy!!
