"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think"

-Margaret Mead
The purpose of education is to, first of all, create critical thinkers and forever learners. It
is my belief that education needs to aid in creating well-rounded positive citizens of a global
community. It is important for students to be able to understand the perspectives of the people
around them. With this they will be able to empathize with their fellow beings. Education must
instill a curiosity that allows people to further their understandings of subject matter and their
fellow people. They then will be able to use this curiosity for positive gains within our society.
Education must aid in allowing us to better the societies in which we live through innovative and
creative thinking.
My belief is that it is a teacher's role to make sure that their classroom is a safe space and
positive atmosphere. To me, this entails making sure that all students feel accepted and welcome
while encouraging their learning. As well, this involves creating a positive learning environment
where all students are able to shine in terms of their own growth and intellectual development.
Teacher's must pair their positive classroom environments with high expectations for all students
regardless of race, gender, sexuality or cultural background. It is important for students to be able
to make mistakes to further their own learning. Allowing students to make mistakes aids them in
their critical thinking abilities which helps them become lifelong learners. The role of a teacher is
to make their classroom a space in which all students can learn, succeed, and stumble; all of
which aid them in their lifelong educational journey. Teachers need to foster the curiosity in
which students hold and allow their creativity to shine through. By allowing students to be
curious and make mistakes it will aid in improving their confidence and self-esteem which will
aid them in furthering their educational goals.
I believe that all classrooms should foster a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning. To
achieve this, I think that there are much needed elements that one must include within their
classroom. Firstly, one must take into consideration all of the multiple intelligences, interests and
backgrounds that students may have. By incorporating knowledge of my individual students, I
will be able to further their enjoyment in the learning process. I feel strongly in advocating for a
classroom where assessment encourages success for all, and I will implement this within my own
classroom. Differentiation and inclusion will be a prominent aspect of my classroom. It is my

duty to set my students up for success and to create lessons that engage, and allow students to
reach their potential.
I strive to be a teacher that helps every one of my students excel intellectually as well as
personally. I hope to inspire my students to become active global citizens who help others,
challenge ideas, and innovate the ways in which we think. I believe that to be an effective
teacher, one must be able to grow along with their students. Students need an inspirational, nonjudgmental environment to truly be able to reach their own potential and in my classrooms, this
is exactly what I will bring forth.