Mission Statement & Educational Philosophy
I see the role of public education as a critical element in every child’s life. I know that education is a critical element from my experiences during my childhood. I whole heartedly believe that if I had been in an environment where my teachers didn't care about me, my life would be very different right now.
I had a teacher who was talking to my class. I remember very clearly the speech that he gave. He told us that “school is one of the few places in life where you are on an even playing field. It doesn’t matter how rich or how poor you are. Your efforts will determine your success in my course, not your parents (efforts)”.
I do not know if my teacher was speaking directly to me that day, but I felt as if his words were intended for me. I took his words as a mantra for each day in class. I knew that my family did not have money, but it didn’t matter. I could do as well as my classmates and even better in many cases, if I applied myself.
My teachers did not care how much or how little money my family had. The classroom is one of the few places where all children are on equal footing. The role of public education should focus on developing motivation within each child. Children all too often are reminded of what they cannot do, of what obstacles are in their way.
The educational system should help to break down those walls which stop young children from reaching their goals. The educational system should be a foundation for each child, especially those children that lack some of the amenities many of us have.
I have become a successful person because of a work ethic that I learned from my father and mother. I have become an intelligent person because of the attention that I received while I was in school. My parents always told me that they believed in me. It was in the educational system that I learned to believe in my dreams, the same dreams that my parents had always hoped would come true.
The educational system must provide opportunities for each student. This is one of very few arenas where all children are on equal ground. As teachers we must do more to demonstrate that this is a truth, not the dream of a few educators. As a teacher I must work to build each child’s confidence academically, as well as personally.
I learned as a child the importance of maintaining a “p.m.a.” which is a positive mental attitude. I must bring with me each day a p.m.a. so that my students may develop the same confidence in themselves that I gained as a child.
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