Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Educating young minds and hearts is my true passion. Ever since I can remember, I was always inspired by those who illuminated my mind and ignited the passion for learning in my heart. Teaching gives me the opportunity to pay it forward. There are many heroes and heroines that have paved the way for me to become the person that stands before you today. Although I have just begun my journey a few short years ago, I have witnessed growth within my own abilities and the growth of my scholars. There is a deep commitment that I feel as an educator to ensure that I provide the very best education that I possibly can. Hence, I continue to further my own education due to the endless learning possibilities.
One of my driving forces is to provide a safe, predictable environment in which students can feel to express themselves, learn, and collaborate with their peers. For students to reach their highest academic potential, they must first have their basic needs met. This is in accordance with Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Although there is a great push for academic excellence and cognitive development, there should also be an even greater emphasis on whole-child development.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is one of the cornerstones of teaching and learning. I have spent several years trying to learn about this element of teaching. It has led me to co-author a book for the Center for Responsive Classrooms, entitled “Seeing the Good in Students.” The book provides an overview of how to understand adolescents’ desire for autonomy, to help them to reach self-actualization