Teaching Philosophy and Style

My teaching philosophy is guided by these big ideas:
(1) "Be a student of your students."- Learn about them and their individual needs so that you can best encourage, motivate, and meet those students needs.
(2) "Aim to promote a love of life long learning."- Model a love of learning and make learning relevant and help students grow in confidence.
(3) "Model interest, respect,  kindness, and patience."- Build a sense of a safe learning community where students want to and feel willing to learn.
(4) "Let parents know you respect and value their significance in partnering in their child's education."  Purpose to to be supportive and positive when working with parents. LISTEN, listen, and listen some more. Respond to anxious parents with thoughtful respectful answers and questions.
(5)  "Take time to share an encouraging word with students and parents."-Don't ever let it be said that they only time a parent hears from you about their child is when it is bad news.
(6)  "Be a lifelong learner- Be teachable."  Never stop self reflection, contemplation of suggestions and criticism, or pass-up an opportunity to learn just one more thing...