​My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every small effort can make a significant impact. My life has been devoted to learning and teaching, fueled by an unquenchable curiosity and a love of discovery. Teaching isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about inspiring students, nurturing their curiosity, and sharing in the joy of learning. Education is not the mere filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire—a spark that can ignite transformation in how students see the world.

This belief was shaped early in my career when, during an MLK Day event, a speaker shared the story of a young girl walking along a beach covered in stranded starfish. One by one, she picked them up and tossed them back into the ocean. When told she couldn’t possibly save them all, she simply responded, "I made a difference for that one." That mindset defines my approach to education.  While challenges can often feel insurmountable, whether in a classroom of students or through my work with faculty, every moment of engagement has the potential to create meaningful change.

The same principle applies to how I approach technology in education. Technology isn’t just about tools; it’s about connections—connecting people to each other, to ideas, and to possibilities. My journey of learning about new technologies opened my eyes to how they could enhance teaching and learning. When used effectively, technology empowers both students and educators, strengthening understanding and fostering collaboration. Each step we take—each skill we develop, each student we support—creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can immediately see.

I embrace the cycle of learning, applying, teaching, and sharing knowledge to empower others. This process not only deepens my expertise but also builds a collaborative learning community where knowledge and technology continuously evolve. In a world where we are preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t yet been invented, to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet, adaptability and a love of learning are essential.

At its core, I believe education changes lives. In challenging times, progress may feel slow, but through our roles as educators, we have the power to inspire change. Just like the girl saving one starfish at a time, we may not be able to transform everything at once—but each small action makes a difference.