Teaching Philosophy

Teaching and learning are reciprocal processes where teacher leaders and students are lifelong learners. Education is not about lecturing knowledge but about engaging in and fostering shared learning experiences where everyone contributes to and collaborates with the community. In my classroom, I am both a facilitator of learning and a learner. Together, we collaborate, build meaningful relationships, and engage in inquiry to create a culturally responsive, inclusive, and multicultural learning environment where students are challenged, empowered, and inspired to be their authentic selves. 

Collaboration is central to effective teaching. Teaching and learning are a community effort, and I believe that working with fellow teachers, administrators, families, and the community is essential for student success. From my own teaching experiences, the impact of collaborative team planning and sharing ideas has been evident in student growth and in meeting student needs. By creating an environment where everyone—teachers, students, and families—works together toward common educational goals, we ensure that each child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Building relationships through culturally responsive teaching is foundational to an inclusive and multicultural classroom. I believe in incorporating the diverse backgrounds of my students by creating a culturally responsive learning environment that uplifts, values, and celebrates their stories and identities, provides space for their voices to be heard, allows them to be seen, and helps students better understand the global world beyond the four walls of the classroom. This work begins with me entering the classroom as my authentic self and continuously reflecting on my own biases and impact. It further continues with the integration of diverse perspectives in my teaching practices.

Inquiry-based and interest-based learning fosters authentic engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking. I believe that students learn best when they are actively involved in processes driven by their curiosity. In the classroom, I build relationships with students to not only incorporate their backgrounds and identities but also their hobbies and interests, making meaningful connections to the world around them. I challenge and encourage my students to ask higher-order thinking questions, explore answers, and collaborate with peers to further problem solve. Critical thinking nurtures a growth mindset that empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

As the teacher, I strive to learn as much, if not more, from my students than they learn from me. My goal is to equip students not just with academic skills but with cultural awareness and competency, which are vital in navigating our interconnected world. Together, we create a community that is eager to learn from one another, where every voice contributes to collective growth.