EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

My Mission is to build a stimulating curriculum, which involves the students in a culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate literature based program to inspire them to be life-long readers and learners. To foster my students to think independently. To develop their critical thinking and math skills. To design a classroom environment that allows for all of my students to develop their reasoning abilities and social-emotional skills. Systematic and realistic self-assessment of one's own progress aids in building on individual strengths and enables the curriculum to be adapted to individual needs.

The principles and values behind a literature based program are taught in an atmosphere that promotes student understanding and appreciation. My focus in teaching literacy is through reading quality literature, student self selecting, literature circles, DEAR time, SSR (Silent Sustained Reading), shared reading, writing for meaning and enjoyment, workshops, and guided reading. Through a child-centered developmentally based approach to teaching that is responsive to the need of the students, the curriculum contributes to self-esteem enhancement, responsible behavior, creative expression, and group cooperation. This is accomplished in an environment that both values and provides opportunities for social growth, increased emotional maturity, and responsible citizenship.

The value of each student is recognized by striving for individual excellence in a caring and nurturing environment that includes parents and the community.