TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe the meaning of life is found in human connection, the natural world, and in development and mastery, all of which are essential components to schooling and education. Therefore, in order to satisfy my perceived meanings of life, and to optimize my lifelong learning journey I chose the noble career path of an educator. My humanistic tendencies delighted in the fact that my career could consist of engaging in authentic and selfless interactions for the sake of learning and personal development.
The purpose of education extends further than facts, literacy, numeracy, and assessment; it’s a collaborative process of expanding worldview and interacting within contexts that stretch our frame of reference and skillsets. I strive to provide myself and my students with opportunities to develop a unique identity, and to feel unified within a connected global community, and empowered as an active global citizen to positively impact the lives of many.
​
The years I've spent teaching abroad and travelling in meaningful contexts not only maximizes the breadth and depth of my lifelong learning journey but it also fuels me with passion, open mindedness, and an increased vigor for life. Ultimately, this energy enhances the quality of education I deliver to my students, and accelerates their progress as well as my development as an educator.
Regardless of my role, I feel that my most valuable asset is relationship building to create a culture of appreciation and community. A characteristic I consciously cultivate and model to my students is to approach life with a positive and peaceful attitude because I believe it instills numerous universal values. Values such as acceptance, respect, empathy, and patience. However, modern civilization is competitive and increasingly complex, so it’s equally vital to understand and acquire the values and skills needed to be successful and resilient in the 21st century. Therefore, the methods I use to facilitate learning experiences emphasize critical analysis, collaboration, and creativity through project-based learning, and student-centered inquiry. A graceful balance of extremes creates well roundedness of mind, body, and soul; assertiveness and selflessness.
​
​