Educational Philosophy

I believe that every student, no matter his or her background, ethnicity, race, abilities, or learning style, can succeed both academically and behaviorally if provided with the appropriate tools, motivation, and learning environment. The appropriate tools include: o A high-quality, grade-appropriate curriculum

o Differentiated instruction tailored to fit the needs of each student o Effective integration of technology o Effective assessment and purposeful feedback Strategies for increasing student motivation include: o Clearly defined expectations of success o Setting students up for success in the classroom o Providing positive, honest, and effective feedback o Providing students the opportunity to make choices and decisions pertinent to their learning, thus allowing them to take ownership in their educational endeavors An effective learning environment includes: o An environment in which each student takes part as a contributing member of the classroom community o An environment in which students feel safe taking risks o An environment of order and organization o An environment of genuine care, nurturing, and mutual respect