I firmly believe that teachers are in school to learn just as much as the "students" are. Having the title of "teacher" just means that I've had more time to learn and more time make mistakes.
Teaching should be focused on the long-term needs of the learners.
Learners (commonly called students) don't just need to know how to do long division. They need to know how to interact in various social settings, where they can look for more information, how to ask for help, when to take a break, and why learning is meaningful. School shouldn't be about facts. It should be about skills.
Relationships are at the fundamental core of teaching.
When I think of my favorite teachers, I do not necessarily go back to the ones who taught me the most information. In most cases, I can't even remember the details of what my favorite teachers taught me. Simply, the teachers that made a difference were those that cared about me. They embraced my weaknesses, nurtured my strengths, and gently nudged me in a positive direction.
Teaching requires enthusiasm, collaboration, and patience.
My goal is to approach every class and conversation with an open mind, a can-do attitude, and the willingness to try things another way.
