Statement of Educational Philosophy

Here in the twenty-first century, knowledge may be obtained in a variety of ways and from a multitude of sources. The purpose of formal education is to provide a context in which new information may be added to this knowledge base, to teach the skills needed to critically sift through and apply this knowledge, and to foster attitudes that ethically direct the understanding and application of this knowledge. As a teacher, my purpose is to guide the development of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to operate critically and creatively in an increasingly globalized world. It is important that I teach these concepts within my specific discipline, and that I also provide a framework from which these skills may be transferred and expanded as the student pursues higher education, a career, and participation in the surrounding world.

Realities of the classroom and attention to my students have illustrated the need to teach critical thinking and language skills. Continuing education and personal travel have highlighted the need to teach from a global perspective.  Some facets of learning, like values and attitudes, are not easily taught: they must be constructed by students in an environment that both inspires and challenges them. Schools should be settings in which students may collaborate, discover, create, and express in an atmosphere of respect. By offering such an environment, schools can transform the lives of students and prepare them to be the leaders and world-changers of tomorrow.