My Philosophy: Teaching is more than just a job. As a teacher I help to shape the hearts and minds of my students. I realize that this is a huge responsibility and I take it seriously. I strive to treat each student with respect. I do my best to establish an environment where my students feel free to take risks and make mistakes. I help students understand that they can learn from their mistakes and that though perfection is a lofty goal, they cannot always expect it from themselves or from others. We will all make mistakes, but our mistakes should not define us. I encourage my students to always do their best and I hold them accountable for that. By doing so , I train them to take responsibility for themselves. I also help them discover that the choices they make in life will affect not only themselves, but the people around them. I want my students to leave me knowing more about the subjects I teach, but also knowing that I believe in them and that they are important to me.