“the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting…” -Plutarch
Teaching is not just an occupation, it is a calling. When we heed that call, we open our minds not only to sharing our knowledge with others, but also to the ongoing pursuit of new understanding. We allow others into our thoughts to see ideas as we see them, and we welcome others to show us what they see as well. To teach is to be prepared to participate in enlightenment in any setting, at any time of day, and regarding any topic. Young people are always questioning the world around them, and as teachers we must be ready to help them find answers.
Teaching is about more than excitement over content or enthusiasm for a new teaching method; it is the light of understanding passing to someone new, the encouragement to look beyond the surface of an idea, the chance to consider an idea from a new perspective thus bringing it new meaning. Informal teaching experiences with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have given me opportunities to explore learning with youth for more than 10 years, and my pedagogy training has prepared me to translate my methods to the high school classroom. As described in my teaching philosophy, I will present students with lessons that foster not only content mastery, but support critical thinking and personal skill-building as well, in order to help students reach their potential in academia and society.