The saying goes, "Knowledge is power."  Well, that knowledge comes through education.  Whether the education you acquire is from others or simply something you acquire through your own experiences, every piece of that knowledge brings you a little more power.  How you choose to utilize that power, is really up to you.  

 

       I became a teacher because I enjoy helping people, but I continue to teach because I believe in people and their potential.  I strongly believe that if you educate a child the "right way," give strong ideals of right and wrong and instill the importance of treating others as you wish to be treated, the power you provide each child will one day be put to good use.  I believe that knowledge and power are beautiful things when they come with a conscience.  A conscience that drives you to help others and make the small sacrifices that make a big difference.  

 

       Although I know I can't reach every child with this message, I can try to reach every child I have a chance to work with.  I believe that every child should be shown the caring and support which many today feel they don't have.  I know the parents of the children I work with may feel this too because many times it's not only the children who are having a difficult time from day-to-day.  

 

       The goal for every child should be success.  Obviously, this success isn't achieved by using the same approach with every child.  Flexibility is a must in life and education.  It is also to be known that success with one child, does not constitute success with all children.  Different things motivate different children and success can be defined differently for each child.  With various approaches, I hope to reach into the mind of every child I work with, to pull out their strengths and help them to succeed.  

 

       I believe that learning should be fun.  While I may push each child to be self-motivated, through intrinsic factors, I hope to do this in a manner which lets them enjoy their education.  In doing this, I may use different forms of teaching, new and old, while hoping to reach all forms of intelligence and learning styles.  

 

       My philosophy of education is similar to that of "Quality Schools."  According to David Langford, author of Quality Learning, there are "Six Conditions of Quality Schoolwork:"

       

       1.  There must be a warm, supportive     

            environment.

       2.  Students should be asked to only do

            useful work.

       3.  Students are always asked to do the

            best they can do.

       4.  Students are asked to evaluate their

            own work and improve it.

       5.  Quality work always feels good.

       6.  Quality work is never destructive.

 

       In addition to this, I want my students to have a feeling of safety when they are in my room.  I hope this is the atmosphere I provide in my classroom, as a teacher and special educator.  I want to help my students develop a feeling of belonging, independence, and self-respect, as well as respect for others.

   

    I am aware that being an educator brings with it, the responsibility to continually educate myself and "change with the times."  In looking to improve my skills as an educator, I must continually look for new and better ways to reach my students.

  

     As a teacher, I am part of a team, which along with educators includes parents.  If a team's members are supportive of each other, then the team is strong.  If I give a parent that support and receive it, then the team I'm on will be successful.  

 

       I believe as well that this concept of "team" carries over into the school's relationship with the community.  Without community support, a school cannot succeed.  Working together with the community, the children stand to gain the most.

 

       I feel very strongly that if I enjoy my job, the students I work with will enjoy their education and become strong learners while gaining the power to become more independent.  This, in turn, can carry over into the school and the community in which I teach.