Philosophy of Education
In the same way that democracy relies on involved citizens, education relies on involved students. Passive students depend on the teacher, whereas active students depend on themselves, with guidance from the teacher. Passive students recite and imitate, while active students discover and explore. Passive students thrive in a controlled environment where they are told what to do and what to think, but active students thrive in an unrestricted environment where they ask questions and make connections.
I believe every child learns best through experiences and exploration. I believe every child needs a stimulating environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. I believe every child inherently possesses the skills they need to thrive in their communities, both locally and globally. I believe every child deserves an educator who is dedicated to awakening, nurturing, and strengthening those inherent skills.
I believe every educator has a responsibility to provide students with opportunities that allow them to think critically and ask meaningful questions. I believe every educator has a responsibility to promote autonomy and choice, rather than teaching students to be dependent on the teacher. I believe every educator has a responsibility to create a sense of community in their classroom through cooperation and open dialogue.