I am extremely confident in the powerful role of the arts in helping students to express and motivate themselves, to critically think and create, and to work and collaborate with others, and I see my role as one in which I help give students an opportunity to fall in love with the arts. I hold an uncompromising view that all students can learn if given a structured and positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration, encourages participation, and reinforces confidence. My Teaching Creed is this: -I believe that teaching truly requires considering what is in the best interest of the child at every turn and in making every decision. -I believe that every child is implicitly awesome, and if a child forgets to “show their awesome,” I believe it is my obligation to help them rediscover the unique and special qualities that make them so awesome. -I believe that my students and their families deserve my absolute BEST as a teacher and as a person. If I am ever put in a situation that I am no longer able to give them my absolute best for whatever reason, I believe it is my responsibility to take ownership over the situation immediately and make decisions accordingly.