My teaching philosophy is to promote continuous learning of students by engaging, encouraging, and motivating each student to individually meet their educational needs. As a lifelong learner, I live everyday believing that there is nothing new under the sun, but there are many unknown recipes of life. My desire as a teacher is to hone the minds of learners to encourage continuous learning. As a continuous learner, I expect to learn from other learners to build my toolbox with newness. I speak of newness as an agent for change within the education community. Being a continuous learner shepherds growth in all areas of life, both professionally and personally. My approach to teaching is effective teaching will promote effective learning. The focus of teaching is to grow the learner and create an open learning environment, which promotes self-esteem and self-confidence. An open learning environment helps to develop communication skills, critical thinking skills, collaborating, and newness of the mind. I believe there are seven tenets of learning: Desire, Time, Focus, Understanding, Respect, Trust , and Experience. Tenets of learning 1. Desire to learn newness. This newness includes new perspectives, new insights, new tools, new knowledge, new ideas, new concepts, new ways of thinking, new understandings, new information, new thoughts, and new environment. 2. Time should be dedicated to learning. The student must invest time into learning, reading, researching, and processing the newness. Learning occurs over a period of time. During this time, the learner reflects on what they have learned, their experiences, and explores what they have learned through some type of action, and uses the learned lessons when applicable. 3. Focus on what is being taught or learned. The focus of the learner must be undivided and concentrated to understand all elements of the lesson. Focus is especially important, so that every aspect of what is being taught is captured. If the focus is not received effectively, any missing elements may cause a lack in understanding. 4. Understanding what is being taught: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each of these elements of the process must be adhered to. 5. Respect of every learner and their opinions. Learn to collaborate and communicate effectively. Respect of other learners does not mean that you have the same thoughts, opinions, ideas, or understandings, but that you respect others and understand they can only speak from their life learned experiences and endeavors. 6. Trust yourself as a learner. Never be afraid to ask questions or seek advice. 7. Understanding that every individual's experience is different, and they can only give their opinions based on their experience. Just as the learner does not need approval of their thoughts and ideas, no one needs your approval of their own thoughts and ideas. If we all thought alike or there was one answer to every question, there would be no need for continuous learning. Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. I believe that the strongest student and teacher relationship is developed by respecting each other as individuals first and then as student or teacher. Learning together is a recipe for progress. When we come together as one to share our thoughts and ideas, we form a more perfect union as student and teacher. Each of the following tenets are demanded of the student and teacher relationship, for effective learning to occur. o Develop the ability to think critically. o Empower the voice of learners. o Increase the confidence in communication of thoughts and ideas. o Foster the love of lifelong learning. o Promote continuously learning, sharing ideas, and knowledge. As a teacher, I will engage every student, promoting their voices, and respecting their opinions to form a learning partnership.

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