"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled [ignited]" - Plutarch (46-120)

I believe that teaching is an opportunity to inspire, encourage and empower children; our future leaders. By making the process of learning engaging, exciting, and enlightening, I will be able to provide my students with an experience where they not only learn what is required of them in the curriculum, but develop as unique individuals and contributing members of society. Furthermore, I integrate physical activity and technology into the daily classroom routine as a means of promoting and maintaining the mental and physical health of my students. Ultimately, I want my students to feel that they play an important role in the classroom and that their contributions are important and valued by their peers and by myself. One way I encourage my students is to allow them to see that the "sky is the limit" and that only their apprehensions can prevent them from achieving and surpassing their goals.

The role of the teacher is to encourage learning by facilitating a learning environment in which the students become personally engaged with the material and perceive the subject matter to be directly relevant to their own lives. Today's classrooms are full of diversity. This diversity comes in the form of social, cultural, religious and physical uniqueness. Therefore, understanding the vast diversity of needs within the classroom is integral to enhancing the relevancy of the subject matter. Furthermore, the comprehensiveness of backgrounds within the classroom offers a potpourri of experiences and knowledge that students can share with one another as a means of developing their understanding of the world we live in. While students must ultimately take responsibility for their own learning, a teacher can often inspire their desire to learn. Learning about the students I teach and listening to their experiences has helped me to consider ways of making the classroom experience relevant while fostering critical thinking skills. I am passionate about inspiring students as they progress on their educational journey. I understand, due to the variety of needs within the classroom, that my teaching style must be flexible and that I must continually alter my approaches according to the needs of learners, subject matter and the classroom environment. I believe it is essential for teachers to promote and develop learning partnerships with students, fellow teachers, parents, and the community in order for transformative learning to take place.

Teaching is a privileged position that demands humbleness as much as respect. It is crucial that teachers constantly self-reflect with regards to their actions and that they recognize the power inherent in their role as an educator. Good teachers come in on time, work hard and build strong, safe and fun learning environments. Great teachers go above and beyond this. They are willing to come in early and stay late. Not only do they work hard, but they also go that extra mile, not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of their students. They foster strong learning environments in and out of the classroom while encouraging their students to also consider the world around them. Great teachers are inquisitive, empathetic and continually seek to gain new knowledge. Their curiosity breeds curiosity in their students and places an importance on asking questions. Ultimately, great teachers are responsive and truly care about their student's success. In order to make a difference to the lives of students one must be the difference. I am the difference.