I Believe

Lisa Daconta

believe

I
that every individual has the appreciable capacity to learn, the continued
ability to grow, and the innate longing to understand. There are no stupid people, nor are there
stupid questions; there are merely individuals with a catalytic amount of motivation and those without.
Motivation is the core of all self-will and development, wrapped neatly with the satin ribbon of relevance
and meaning. As an instructor, I believe it is my objective and my duty to provide the kindling for this
motivational flame in every student in order to generate the future burning fire that will guide them
through life.

believe

I
that every day is a new opportunity for conquering obstacles, for bettering
oneself, and for succeeding and failing. However, within the confines of the previous statement, the
age-old confusion and demonization of the term failure arises. I believe that failure is not defined as a
lack of success, but as evidence of the attempt towards a superior goal---as evidence of striving for more.
The monster that failure portrays itself to be, in the minds of students and instructors alike, must be
dispelled, reconstructed, and revamped. Once this has occurred, and failure is viewed in a positive light,
conquering obstacles and bettering oneself becomes a fearless activity---even a desirable challenge! With
the proper scaffolding and devote support of an instructor, family, or community, I believe that all
students benefit and learn more from their failures than their successes.

believe

I
that every assignment given to students, including quizzes, tests,
homework, or classwork, should directly reflect learning goals established within the
classroom, embrace challenging yet realistic inquiries, and build upon previous inherent or
learned knowledge. Assignments should never be a tool for ephemeral space-fillers or busy work, but
should empower students by testing their abilities and encouraging them to go beyond the expectations
and/or limitations they have set for themselves.

believe

I
that every individual on this beautiful planet impacts all other individuals
in some way or another. Every student, parent, staff member, stranger, and acquaintance has a
purpose and reason to be here; therefore, every individual is to be respected and valued for their
inimitable properties. I believe that it is my calling to help students recognize that they, and those around
them, are unique and irreplaceable---both within the classroom and without. Overall, I believe that the
foundation to all learning first begins with a structured, respectful, and trustworthy relationship, and
without this, no constructive long-term learning will ever take place.
I

believe that every teacher can make a positive difference in the lives of his or her students.

I believe that I will be a teacher who makes this difference.