My passion for teaching and learning stems from a respect for what education has done for me and

what I believe it can and should do for all students. Being a first generation university student, I have come to understand how when young people, regardless of intellectual capacity or social background, are made to feel safe and accepted, given the proper educational resources, and encouraged to use and demonstrate their knowledge in meaningful ways they are more likely to thrive as individuals. Consequently, my education has motivated me to want to make a difference in the lives of others; to be a teacher myself; and to inspire the belief that, with the right amount of guidance and support, dreams really do come true. I believe a safe and inclusive learning community is fundamental for growth and development. In order for students to be best equipped to succeed they must feel accepted and the learning environment plays a key role in establishing such feelings. From a constructivist standpoint, an inclusive approach to education is most effective when it is promoted as an everyday way of life within the classroom (Kosnik & Beck, 2010 p. 2).1 Since a major part of the teaching and learning process is being able to trust in others and take risks, a teachers job is to establish a culture of respect and ensure that each and every student feels valued. Ongoing success is also dependent on the formation of goals and expectations both by the teacher and the students respectively. To help each child reach their personal best, I will establish clear, yet high expectations for every student and whole-heartedly believe they can achieve them. An individualized approach to teaching will ensure that each childs needs are met. As Good and Brophy (2007) state, students are individuals and must be treated as such if we expect to optimize their motivation and learning (p. 261).2 With key theories, such as Gardners Multiple Intelligences, in mind, my goal is to help each child succeed by employing a variety of differentiating instructional and assessment strategies which will accommodate their diverse interests, ability levels, and preferred learning styles. Synthesizing understanding is integral and can be achieved by helping students make real-world connections, as well as by integrating learning across subject areas. Fostering the development of the whole child also means recognizing and making the most of teachable moments and understanding that learning can, should, and will go beyond the four walls of the classroom. Establishing partnerships with parents and community members is essential for creating a more cohesive and meaningful educational experience for students. It is also imperative to approach teaching as a facilitator not lecturer because, in real life, nothing is ever black or white. Guiding students in their explorations also means ensuring that learning is fun, participatory, relevant, and engaging. I appreciate the idea that an active, collaborative, and innovative classroom is the key to increasing student motivation, discovery, and achievement. Altogether, I regard a hands-on approach, infused with the use of technology, other authentic materials and resources, and a positive attitude demonstrating my own passion for exploration and growth, as having the greatest potential for instilling a love of learning within students. Thus, a teachers most important goal is to guide students toward success in all areas of learning. As the world of education and lives of todays youth continue to evolve, it is essential that teachers evolve along with them. Remaining conscious of how to best meet students social, academic and emotional needs should be at the forefront of each and every educators philosophy and, while, over the past several years, my own idea of what great teaching should look like has become more pronounced, I have also come to realize it will never be static. I strongly believe that educators lead by example and it is my hope that the passion and dedication I have for being a lifelong learner will inspire others to feel the same. Ultimately, I value the idea that education is a colourful and continual endeavour. For this reason, I dont want my students to just chase rainbows...I want to help them to discover, learn how to navigate, and build the confidence to cross over them.
1 2

Good, T. L., & Brophy, J.E.. (2007). Looking in classrooms (10th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Kosnik, C. & Beck, C.. (2010). Teaching in a nutshell: Navigating your teacher education program as a student teacher. New York: Routledge.