I believe that education is the key to living a fulfilled and engaging life.

Developing the appropriate skills and knowledge in school is paramount for

students to become informed and engaged members of society. Constant
intellectual, personal and emotional development is a dynamic process that
should be fostered in education to prepare students to affect positive change
in their communities. Challenging the status quo by actively seeking
alternative perspectives and alternative outcomes lays the foundation for
social reform. Development extends to forming connections and relationships
the people, ideas and places of which students are part of.
I believe that a core aspect of education should be teaching critical
thinking. Teaching them to think critically will allow them to see the context
in which their development takes place and allows them to develop an
understanding of the concepts their education is built around. Promoting a
habit of questioning and inquiring will provide students with agency that can
be used for independent learning. Students develop a deeper understanding
of what they learn when thinking critically by challenging subjectivity and
coming to their own conclusions.
I believe that education must instill confidence and foster the potential
that lies within every student. Confident educators will breed confidence in
student learning. When students feel confident in what they learn they can
develop a confidence in themselves. This can be done through allowing them
to take responsibility for aspects of their learning to improve their
knowledge, abilities and skills. Fostering student self-confidence can be
developed in a safe and welcoming classroom environment. Positive
reinforcement and feedback are helpful tools.
I believe that valuing diversity will broaden the ability of learners make
connections of concepts within a global context. Celebrating differences
prepares students to participate in a diverse and multicultural society.
Methods can include understanding our identity from within and by
understanding our identity against others. Identifying these differences
allows us to value them. Understanding diversity through a lens of critical
thinking promotes the challenging of subjectivity of dominant narratives and
perspectives.
I believe that sharing opens learning possibilities immensely. The free
exchange of ideas and information broadens our view and understanding of
society and those components we value. Inclusion adds strength and helps
bridge those divides that inhibit development on an individual level and
societal level. The belief in the whole of the body being better than the sum
of its parts lends itself to the strength of a constant stream of sharing as
opposed to all unshared ideas put together.

Knowing ones role as a teacher is what creates an engaging learning

environment. Acting less like a task maker to student conscripts and more
like an educational guide to learners filled with potential is the basis for a
teacher-student relationship based on mutual respect. Teachers should find
ways to incorporate student interests into the classroom and build on
students individual strengths to make learning more engaging for students.
Students can sometimes bring aspects outside of the school into the
classroom. Teachers should be aware of their students wellbeing as
individuals and as a class. Social emotional learning should be part of a wellrounded school day and an emphasis on reflection can build on healthy
habits. Mental health awareness and education is paramount. Empathy,
sympathy and compassion are important traits a teacher must bring to a
classroom. Though teachers should not be friends with their students, they
should act as mentors to watch over their students based on being granted
loco parentis in their role. Approachability and an open door policy can go a
long way.
I believe that involvement in extracurricular activities should be
strongly promoted to students. Active involvement in sports, clubs,
communities and organizations leads to students feeling better about
themselves and better about school. Being a part of or building something
with others helps create a sense of belonging, which is crucial in students
mental and cognitive development. Encouraging student involvement also
creates a sense of ownership. Responsibility, teamwork skills and
communication skills are those which are useful in students futures as well
as in the classroom. Positive group experiences help in student identity
formation as well as provide a healthy peer culture.
School isnt about the teacher, it is about the students.