Financial Aid

I view a teaching philosophy as a living document. Just as theories and understanding of the learning process change, so must a
teaching philosophy. A well-formed and caring teacher must be open to new concepts and be willing to incorporate them into her
teaching philosophy in order to better herself as an educator and to be able to offer her students the best educational opportunities.
    As a teacher, I feel that my education is an on-going process. Unlike many other professional fields, teaching is an area that requires
constant update of skills. I need to stay cognitive of the changes in education and learn how to properly use them in my classroom. I
also will learn from my students because their learning is my main goal. Understanding my students by recognizing their learning habits
will help me to create a secure and caring environment in which they can succeed without fear. I want students to develop a love of life
long learning and know they are capable of becoming whatever they desire.
    To me, each student that walks through my door is an unfinished book. They have chapters of knowledge they learned prior to my
class but now it is my job to add another chapter that will build on that knowledge. I take this responsibility very seriously because it is
what is taken away from my class that will help shape their futures. I've always thought that a good education is the stepping stone to a
great future. A good education that shapes a student's future does not reflect only courses he may take in high school or college that
will lead to a career, but starts in the elementary school classroom. It is here that the foundation is created to support further learning. A
teacher that fails to support that foundation is failing her student.
    There are so many parts of the foundation that must fit into place while in elementary school in order for the student to become a
successful and productive member of society. As part of the educational community that a student is exposed to, I will do my part to
make sure the student receives a strong foundation. This is not limited to students only in my class. I believe that as a teacher I
represent the whole school and will be available to any student. Students at the elementary level need to learn they can have
independence, that it is okay to fail but have the courage to find out why, and that each success no matter how small is greatly
important. I want to help create well rounded students who are not only learning grade level curriculum but are confident and have the
skills to develop into productive members of society.

Thanks,
Claudia.