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I believe that education has many purposes. One of these purposes is to equip students with the ability to link the knowledge they obtain inside the classroom to their lives outside the classroom. I also believe education should empower students by giving them the freedom of choice in shaping their own learning. At the same time, it's important to teach children the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of such freedom. Education should instill social values, such as respect, compassion, equality, and fairness so that children learn to relate meaningfully to others in society. I believe that children should learn that the joy is in the journey, so education should teach the value of the process of the learning experience, not just the outcome. This in turn fosters a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

In my opinion, children need a certain kind of environment in order to learn to the greatest extent possible. First and foremost, this environment should be one that is safe for children, both literally and figuratively. Not only should children know that they won't be physically harmed, but that their hearts and their feelings are safe as well. Only then can children begin to enter into a trusting relationship with their peers and teachers, which is another critical element in any learning situation. The learning atmosphere should be one that is positive, encouraging, and nurturing. In addition, children need to feel that they are respected, valued, and important. When this level of comfort is achieved, children can feel a sense of security that allows them to manage the disappointments and mistakes along with the joys and successes of the learning process.

I view curriculum as a natural extension of the children themselves. Much like a developing child, learning is truly a work in progress. For this reason, lessons should center on children and their personal experiences, taking into account each child's individual personality, abilities, strengths and weakness, and cultural background. Curriculum should emphasize active problem-solving and hands-on learning with materials and information that are relevant to children's lives outside of the classroom. Self-reflection should also be a part of the classroom curriculum for a better understanding of personal strengths and challenges, as well as how to take past problems and turn them into future triumphs. All of these play an important part in instilling a deeper level of learning and understanding.

I believe the relationship between students and the teacher should be a partnership based on trust and mutual respect. The partnership should be a reciprocal one as well, where all involved are both teaching and learning together. In the learning process, the students should take center stage while the teacher plays a supporting role as guide, facilitator, encourager, questioner, motivator, mentor, and role model. Students should be allowed the freedom to learn in their own individual way where the result is the ability to think and strive for excellence on their own.

I believe teachers must possess certain qualities and take on specific responsibilities to meet the needs of their students. Teachers should display kindness, caring, compassion, patience, enthusiasm, and a passion and love for learning. At the same time, teachers should model qualities of a good person, a good learner, and a good citizen. I also think that a teacher's number one responsibility to her students is to get to know each and every oen on a very personal level to learn about likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, interests, abilities, and cultural background. To me, this is the starting point of serving my students and their needs to the best of my ability.

For now, these are the beliefs I have about education, curriculum, students, and teachers. These beliefs are the basis for my educational philosophy. Once again, I realize that my philosophy is a work in progress, and as I continue to learn and gain more experience, my beliefs and philosophy of education will continue to evolve as well.