My Teaching Philosophy & Mission
Empowering Students Through Purposeful and Engaging Education
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that teaching is most effective when it combines engagement, collaboration, and reflection. As an educator, I am committed to creating an environment where students actively participate in their own learning, work together, and gain hands-on experiences that help them understand and apply new knowledge.
One of the core aspects of my teaching philosophy is Kagan’s cooperative learning strategies. I believe that students learn best when they work together in structured, supportive ways. Using Kagan’s strategies, such as Think-Pair-Share, Jigsaw, and Team-Pair-Solo, I encourage students to share ideas, discuss concepts, and teach each other. These strategies not only help build a sense of community and belonging but also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential in and out of the classroom.
Another key element of my teaching is the use of data-based instruction. I believe that effective teaching must be responsive to students’ needs, and data is a powerful tool for guiding instruction. By consistently assessing student progress through both formative and summative assessments, I can identify where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. This allows me to tailor lessons to meet the individual needs of my students and make timely adjustments to my teaching strategies.
I also prioritize hands-on learning in my classroom because I believe it brings learning to life. When students can touch, manipulate, and experiment with materials, they better retain and apply knowledge. Whether through science experiments, interactive math activities, or project-based learning, hands-on activities make abstract concepts tangible and meaningful. I want my students to actively engage in their learning process, so they can make connections between what they are studying and the real world.
Ultimately, my teaching philosophy is centered on the idea that learning should be an active, collaborative, and dynamic process. By integrating Kagan’s cooperative strategies, using data to guide instruction, and incorporating hands-on experiences, I create an environment where students are excited to learn, confident in their abilities, and empowered to take ownership of their education.
My Mission
I am deeply inspired to teach because I believe that every child has the potential to learn and to enjoy the process of learning. In my classroom, I value kindness, curiosity, respect, and creativity. My goal is for each student to develop a growth mindset, to build confidence, and to discover the pure joy that comes with learning.
I strive to develop a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to take on new challenges. I believe children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and collaborative activities that encourage them to think critically and solve problems.
I strive to create a classroom where everyone feels like they belong and has the confidence to grow. I focus on understanding their needs, encouraging their strengths, and providing support when they face challenges to help each student reach their full potential.
I strive to make connections with parents through regular communication, conferences, newsletters, and school events. I find importance in inviting families to be an active part of the classroom. Fostering community involvement in classroom activities helps everyone take part in supporting each child's success.
Ultimately, my hope is to leave a lasting impact on my students, guiding them to become lifelong learners, compassionate individuals, and confident people who truly believe in their own potential.
Sanford Harmony Academy helps me accomplish my mission by fostering kindness, respect, and collaboration in my classroom. I embed this program into my daily morning circles, where students engage in activities that build empathy, communication, and social-emotional skills. This aligns with my goal of creating a safe, inclusive environment where students develop confidence and a growth mindset. Sanford Harmony supports my vision of encouraging learners to feel valued and empowered to take on new challenges by promoting teamwork and relationship-building.