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. An unquenchable curiosity and a love of learning have made it both my passion and my career. I believe teaching is about inspiring students and encouraging their natural sense of curiosity. Education is more than just preparing students for the workforce; educators share the simple yet sacred joy of learning, sparking transformation in the way students view the world.
This belief was influenced early on when, in my first year of teaching, a guest speaker for MLK Day shared the story of a young girl walking along a beach littered with starfish, saving them one by one. Despite the overwhelming number, she picked them up, tossed them back into the ocean, and when a man questioned her, saying she couldn’t possibly save them all, she simply responded, "I made a difference for that one."
This story encapsulates my approach to teaching. While the challenges of education—particularly with technology—can often feel insurmountable, every student, every lesson, and every moment of engagement has the potential to create meaningful transformation. It’s easy to feel like the task is too big, but my goal is to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem in the grand scheme of things. Much like the little girl, I believe that each student we help, each new idea we nurture, is a step forward toward progress. In my classroom or through my work with faculty, I encourage that same mindset: the value of individual moments, of meeting students where they are, and guiding them to new understandings, one step at a time.
My journey of learning about new technology opened my eyes to the many ways it could enhance my teaching practice. It became clear to me that, when used effectively, technology can be a powerful tool to support both the joy of learning and the ability to make a transformational difference for each student. While we may not be able to change everything at once, with each step we take, each lesson we teach, and each student we empower, we are making a difference. And in the end, these small changes ripple out, creating a transformation that reaches far beyond what we can see in the moment.
This belief was influenced early on when, in my first year of teaching, a guest speaker for MLK Day shared the story of a young girl walking along a beach littered with starfish, saving them one by one. Despite the overwhelming number, she picked them up, tossed them back into the ocean, and when a man questioned her, saying she couldn’t possibly save them all, she simply responded, "I made a difference for that one."
This story encapsulates my approach to teaching. While the challenges of education—particularly with technology—can often feel insurmountable, every student, every lesson, and every moment of engagement has the potential to create meaningful transformation. It’s easy to feel like the task is too big, but my goal is to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem in the grand scheme of things. Much like the little girl, I believe that each student we help, each new idea we nurture, is a step forward toward progress. In my classroom or through my work with faculty, I encourage that same mindset: the value of individual moments, of meeting students where they are, and guiding them to new understandings, one step at a time.
My journey of learning about new technology opened my eyes to the many ways it could enhance my teaching practice. It became clear to me that, when used effectively, technology can be a powerful tool to support both the joy of learning and the ability to make a transformational difference for each student. While we may not be able to change everything at once, with each step we take, each lesson we teach, and each student we empower, we are making a difference. And in the end, these small changes ripple out, creating a transformation that reaches far beyond what we can see in the moment.