My Teaching Philosophy

Welcome! This page is for middle school students, language arts teachers, and instructional coaches. Here, you'll get a glimpse into my core beliefs and how they shape the classroom experience. Prepare to be inspired and reassured as we explore the exciting world of language arts together!

Openness and Balance

My teaching philosophy is grounded in openness and balance—I welcome diverse ideas and continuously learn from them. While I respect and incorporate the principles of all five major teaching philosophies, I identify most strongly as a progressivist and existentialist. I believe education should be student-centered, encouraging critical thinking, self-discovery, and real-world connections.

Holistic Approach

Reading and exploring diverse literary works is essential, but equally important is helping students develop social skills that enhance how they learn and interact with others. This holistic approach prepares students not just academically, but also as compassionate, thoughtful members of society.

Inspired by Great Minds

I draw inspiration from influential educators and philosophers such as John Dewey, Howard Gardner, Paulo Freire, Maria Montessori, Harry Wong, Benjamin Bloom, and Horace Mann. Their work motivates me to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the right to read, write, and express themselves—tools that empower them to help others and contribute to making our world a better place.

"By not being afraid of asking challenging questions even if it upsets the establishment or status quo, students will learn and grow."

- 6th Grade Language Arts Concepts