I believe that all students construct meaning by searching for questions and answers.  I empower my students, and they take ownership of their learning.  Thus, they retain that learning.  Constructing meaning helps my students learn to value and respect their peers, themselves, and me.  Once they learn that respect, they grow as a community of learners and support each other in their learning. 

I believe in respecting all students and all levels of learning in my classroom.  I meet all of my students' needs by differentiating instruction.   This allows all of my students to learn at their own pace.   Therefore, my students learn to value the diversity of all learning needs and the diversity of all students instead of allowing it to separate them from each other. 

I believe in maintaining high expectations of all of my students.  This fosters motivation and a positive classroom climate.  Because I maintain high expectations, my students strive for excellence. 

I believe in leading my class democratically to show the students I have confidence in their abilities and their decisions.  Allowing my students to create classroom rules, make classroom decisions, and cooperate with each other has taught my students the meaning and value of democracy.  In addition, my students are empowered to become active members of their classroom community.  They learn to value the community they have created and realize the importance they have as individual members of the community. 

As the community of learners grows and evolves, discipline problems arise.  However, this does not deter my vision of student empowerment.  I do not treat students as behaviors.  Instead, I believe in treating every child as a unique individual and handle his/her needs, frustrations, and limitations.  I believe in looking beyond the behavior and into the student to find the treasures that exist deep within. 

I believe true education occurs when a teacher catches the spirit of a child, excites that spirit, and empowers that spirit to succeed. 

Clipart from Discovery School.