Philosophy of Education

My greatest motivation in becoming a teacher has been my son Silver, who has numerous special needs which we have been working on with his psychologist. Together we have been learning the usefulness of various ‘tools’ that will help him to be a successful student. This knowledge is invaluable to me as an educator. I am able to convert this information to my own experiences within the classroom. While working with students I am readily able to identify those who exhibit behaviors associated with ADHD, autistic spectrum, or other anxiety driven disorders. This knowledge helps me know when to appropriately redirect students in order to help them stay on task and complete assigned work. As I observe in the classroom I see that these students, many undiagnosed, exist within general education classrooms and often find themselves lost in the cracks.

I am of the strong belief that all children have the capacity to learn and progress regardless of their background. Through the use of a constructionist perspective it is advantageous to build upon the student’s prior knowledge while helping them establish and achieve their academic goals. My own goal of working within the urban classroom setting will present various challenges when dealing with such a diverse array of multiculturalism; but I am confident with my ability to see these challenges through.

Within my own education I am gaining the knowledge I need in order to become a stronger person, a better mother, and an integral part of the global community. Helping my son work through his disabilities is giving me a broader scope of the special needs within the education field. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and take pleasure in sharing the knowledge I have acquired in my journeys with others.

Becoming a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, I feel, is the greatest way that I can make a positive impact in our society at a local level. I only wish I had more to give back to the community, perhaps for the selfish reason of the feelings of fulfillment that it gives me. I know that I am be able to give more to my community and inspire others on a level deeper than I could ever imagine.

I feel that I benefit the community by helping students through their own educational journey.  It is important to help children to find their place in this world. In time, we all become a part of the mosaic that will greatly enrich our country. We must invest in the future that is our children!