Evelyn Steffek

Vision Statement
In the classroom I value a deep appreciation for the arts and moral integrity. It is the very nature
of the humanities, and in particular the study of literature, to help remind thoughtful people of the
ambiguities and dangers of intemperate denunciations and the rhetoric of polarization. Gregory Wolfe,
author of Beauty Will Save the World, goes on to say that in order for society to become less aggressive
and more nurturing, we must appreciate the value of true beauty in all things, literature especially. I
especially agree with this is because I think that appreciating true beauty, especially in the arts, can
change the heart of the world. .
I remember the teachers that most resonated in me. They had such an impact on my life, teaching
me how to appreciate knowledge and finding beauty in truth, while learning life lessons. These teachers
were unique because they had presented the learning material in an interesting way that caught my
attention. They presented the material in a clear and simple manner, step by step. Ralph Waldo Emerson
says The man who can make hard things easy is the educator. These teachers made the difficult
problems seem easy. They put forth their best foot at all times to help grow the knowledge of their
students. I desire to teach all subjects well and I am most passionate for teaching Language Arts and
English. Furthermore, for students to appreciate the goodness of the subjects being learned they should
understand the truth in them first.
Subtly, my favorite teachers taught me how to be a good person. It was more than that but to seek
to be the best person I could become. I strive to be that same teacher, because each of mine has inspired
me to give myself in a way every student can benefit from. I also teach moral values and the importance
of honesty, integrity, and the Golden Rule. Angela Lumpkin says that A teacher with character
demonstrates that integrity is a prized possession. Teachers with character serve as role models for telling
the truth, respecting others, accepting and fulfilling responsibilities, playing fair, earning and returning
trust, and living a moral life. I teach students skills they will take out into society, skills that they will
not just use in their careers but as well as within their families and friendships.

Evelyn Steffek

Works Cited
Lumpkin, Angela. Teachers as Role Models-Teaching Character and Moral Virtue. Joperd 79.2
(20088): n. http://www.csuchico.edu/kine/documents/teachersasrolemodels.pdf
Wolfe, Gregory. Beauty will save the World: Recovering the Human in an Ideological Age.
Wilmington, DE: ISI Intercollegiate Studies, 2011. Print.