Teaching Philosophy

My favorite teaching moments are when my students have those “eureka!” moments where things click, and

seeing the happiness and surge of confidence that comes makes my day. Every day I strive to empower my students so that they have the tools needed to confidently take on life and learning. Every student has amazing potential, and it’s a teacher’s job to create a safe environment that allows them to blossom into incredible people. Teachers fill a huge number of roles and provide care for many different aspects of a student’s growth, but my favorite role has always been leadings students to believe in themselves and their ability.

This is especially important in math. Students often have preconceptions that math is hard or that they are

“bad” at it, and my goal is to turn that mentality on its head and show them how much they know and can do. Math is great because there are so many different and valid approaches to solve it, and students regularly figure out creative approaches outside the techniques traditionally taught. One of my great joys of teaching is to meet students wherever they are at and working with them to explore the content. My ideal math class is one focused on discussion and reasoning that enables students to thrive anywhere.

I hope to make a difference in all my students’ lives, and I am aware that I am not alone with this wish. With the

cooperation of parents, teachers, coaches, administrators, and more, students will receive the support they need to achieve. I look forward to the wonderful things that they will go on to accomplish.