Teaching
"Our job implies that we teach... to overcome social injustice."
~Paulo Freire
Teaching Philosophy: I believe education is the most powerful means available to the human race in order to effect and sustain positive change in ourselves, our communities, and in our world. I believe education also carries the potential to be emancipatory and empowering for both the teacher and the student. Consequently, I always recognize that I am teaching far more than merely the content of a textbook. I want those in my classes to walk away with the ability to see the world through other lenses and see their own perspectives more deeply and colorfully. Additionally, I believe education is dynamic and approach every teaching opportunity expecting change to occur in everyone, including myself.
In order to achieve these results, I consider my students to be co-learners with me, as we ask questions and seek answers in community. It is through a community of learners where the greatest amount of change can occur and progress be made. Therefore, I am adamant that I always view myself as a learner before a teacher. While I navigate the continuous learning process, I invite my students to come alongside me as we discover together. Our learning will be most effective if all students perceive their knowledge and experiences to be validated and respected and believe that they have something unique to offer our learning community. It is also important that my students know that I am committed to, and personally invested in their learning and will do everything I can for them to be successful.
Finally, as a teacher of future teachers, I want the passion and love that I have developed for teaching to be both evident and contagious in my classroom. I believe that education is the most exciting and influential field to be a part of, and I want to empower my students to be effective teachers of ALL students. Then, they can go out and empower future generations to effect positive change in their own lives, communities, and in our world.
