As an educator, I believe that each student is a unique individual who requires a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere, in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator, to facilitate students to meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a mentor, (2) allowing the students’ natural curiosity to direct their learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.

When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their own questions. For students to obtain knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover themselves through practicing skills in authentic situations. By providing students with access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur. Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a practical approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their community.

Personally, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.

I have tutored and student taught English for SVC and Burr and Burton Academy. At Burr and Burton Academy I taught and managed a range of levels from general English Freshman courses to Senior Advanced Placement. I designed classroom décor to coincide with the literature being studied, as well as prepared study guides, held Harkness discussions, lectured, and created and graded quizzes and tests both standardized and comprehensive. Courses that I have completed such as an English Internship, Effective Speaking, English Composition I & II, Topics in Literature (Introduction to Literature, Women of Color, Literature and Society, Major Authors, Popular Fiction, Environmental), Advanced Poetry, Shakespeare, and Literary Criticism. These courses have emphasized the behavior and structure in which I am able to assist students in understanding the subject of English and Literature.

I am cross-trained in teaching middle and high school English courses to introductory literature college courses through various undergraduate courses and through my student teaching experience at Burr and Burton Academy. Also, because of my diverse occupational background has infused me with strong communication skills and the ability to enjoy any aspect of the educational profession.

In the past five years, I have become apart of the Cape Cod Literacy Counsel, as well as instructing a pilot ESL program in the Beaver Park Neighborhood of Framingham, MA. I also work full time as the Training and Co-Op Coordinator for GateHouse Media.