My philosophy about teaching is quite simple, I believe that you must humanize each student, when they know that you really care you will reach them in unimaginable ways.  I agree with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” There are so many other issues that these children have to deal with at home academics can sometimes be the last thing on their mines. There must be some type of connection with the kids, one that lets the kids know that they are valued as a human and not just another one of your students.

I believe that there is no need to recreate the proverbial wheel, continue to use what is working but and be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that they can implement immediately. I believe that besides parents, teachers have the hardest job anywhere, they are not just teachers they have to mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

I believe that every mind is different, every learning ability is different the “cookie cutter” approach is no longer appropriate, students come to school with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as different.  For the most part the only thing that the children have in common is their age.

I believe that “We” assume that these kids are coming to school ready and willing to learn, but this could not be further from the truth. These kids are coming to school totally unsocialized.  It is sad to say but we have a generation of kids who spend more time in front of some type of screen then they do with real live people. Their behaviors are being influenced by TV shows, video games, social media, and a myriad of other platforms.

I know that we can’t control much after the bell rings, but during school hours there is a lot we can do. It was because of few dedicated teachers in my life, that took the time to make me feel like an individual that obligates me to help educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor, and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, I will leave educators with as many proven, practical strategies as I can.